(HUM-PIPF-2024-01 ) ERC-Funded Ph.D. position on (Re)Constructing the Archaeology of Mobile Pastoralism (CAMP) Bringing the site level into long-term pastoral narratives

We invite applications for a fully funded, full-time, 4-year Ph.D. position in the context of an ERC Consolidator Grant (101088842) project led by Stefano Biagetti titled: (Re)Constructing the Archaeology of Mobile Pastoralism (CAMP) - Bringing the site level into long-term pastoral narratives. The student will be enrolled at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona, Spain) and will receive a Ph.D. degree in History at the end of the 4 years.

The successful candidate will be based at the Department of Humanities at Universitat Pompeu Fabra, which hosts Stefano Biagetti’s ERC-funded project. Over the next two years, the group will include other new postdoctoral researchers and Ph.D. students. The project will be carried out within the Culture and Socio-Ecological Dynamics research group (CASEs), of which Stefano Biagetti is a member. CASEs research group approaches the study of the human past by developing research beyond disciplinary boundaries and combining visions from both archaeology and the natural sciences. The doctoral student will be integrated into the research group and exposed to a lively, international, and productive research environment.

1. Further details about the PhD topic

The CAMP project aims to develop an innovative methodology for the study of ancient pastoralism. The project specifically focuses on pastoral sites and adopts a geo-ethnoarchaeological approach based on the study of different proxies from purposely collected soil samples (candidates are strongly recommended to check the project website). The successful applicant will undertake research related to Work Package 3 (Fieldwork) and Work Package 5 (Geostatistical Modelling) of the CAMP project. The successful candidate will participate in fieldwork in different areas of Africa and Asia, and will learn and apply geospatial techniques to perform spatial analysis.

2. Key responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Participate in geo-ethnoarchaeological fieldwork in remote areas, requiring a high capacity for adaptation;
• Learn state-of-the-art statistical methods and geospatial techniques;
• Undertake geostatistical analysis under supervision;
• Complete a successful PhD thesis at the end of the four years;
• Attend the seminars and conferences organized within the framework of the ERC project;
• Publish in high-impact journals;
• Present their research in relevant academic conferences.

3. Profile of candidates

Candidates must have:

1. A Master’s degree in one of the following fields: Archaeology, Earth Sciences;
2. Demonstrable experience with GIS and R;
3. Excellent oral and written English.

We especially encourage women and minority candidates to apply. Having an interest in and experience with ethnoarchaeology will be considered an advantage.

4. Terms and Conditions

The PhD bursary is governed by a pre-doctoral employment contract for research staff at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra. It is a fixed-term, full-time contract with a gross annual value of approximately €17,000. The successful candidate will also have access to funding for conference participation in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years of the PhD.

A good command of English is mandatory. While knowledge of Spanish and Catalan is not a requirement, the successful candidate will be encouraged to acquire at least minimal competence in one of these languages to participate in locally organized events.

The successful candidate will have a working space at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra, in the Mercè Rodoreda building, Campus de la Ciutadella, in a shared office with other members of the group.

Starting date: 1^st of April 2024.

5. Applications

Applicants must submit:

1. Photocopy of ID card/Passport/NIE
2. Copy of academic qualification
3. An academic curriculum vitae;
4. A statement of interest;
5. A transcript of the grades obtained in the Master degree;
6. The names and addresses of two academic referees.

6. Selection process

The selection process will be divided in two phases.

1. The first phase will consist of an evaluation of the merits of each candidate, an evaluation for which his/her presence will not be necessary.

The evaluation of the various applications will be based on the following criteria (out of a total of 25 points):

- Demonstrable experience in geo-ethnoarchaeological research (1-5);

- Knowledge of geostatistical techniques and ability to apply them (1-5);

- Participation in international projects (1-5);

- Relevant scientific publications (1-5);

- Excellent command of English (1-5).

2. Candidates who scored at least 20 points in the first phase will participate in the second phase, which will consist of a personal interview and will be scored on a total of 20 points.

The minimum score for passing the selection process is: 35.

7. Information

For academic questions about the project and the position, please do not hesitate to contact Stefano Biagetti (stefano.biagetti@upf.edu). For practical information about the position and the application process, please contact Yolanda Pueyo Bayona (seleccio.humanitats@upf.edu).