ERC-Funded PhD position in Past and Future Millet Foodways (MILWAYS) project

Outline

We invite to apply for a funded, full-time PhD position of 42 months duration under the ERC Consolidator Grant (101087964) project led by Prof. Giedre Motuzaite Matuzeviciute Keen titled PAST AND FUTURE MILLET FOODWAYS (MILWAYS).  The successful candidate will be based either at the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of History or at the Life Science Centre, Vilnius University. The work of the PhD student will be carried out between two laboratories:  The Palaeoproteomics lab based at the Life Science Centre and at the Bioarchaeology Research Centre which is a part of Department of Archaeology. The project’s samples for analysis are located at various institutions of eastern, central and southern European countries. The PhD candidate would be required to travel to these institutions for material sampling purposes. The successful candidate will be co-supervised by the project PI and by the Dr. Jorūnė Sakalauskaitė (Life Science Centre, Vilnius University).

Further details about the PhD topic area

The successful applicant will undertake research related to Work Package 2 of the MILWAYS project that will analyse dental enamel by palaeoprotoemics to identify the sex of individuals in pioneer millet consuming populations that were previously analysed with isotope analysis of human bone collagen and enamel. In addition, the dental calculus of prehistoric populations will also be analysed in search for millet proteins in order to detect minute consumption of millet that overwise would have not be noticeable by stable isotope analysis of human tissues. This research will allow the identification of the links between sex and diet during the earliest stages of millet introduction into Europe and better understand the processes of how new crops, such as millet, were integrated in the past.

What is funded

The PhD bursary is regulated by the Lithuanian Government, which is between 1045 and 1210 EUR per month (net, post-tax). In addition, the PhD student will also simultaneously be employed as a junior researcher on the project in a part time capacity. The total monthly income of the PhD student together with the PhD scholarship will be approximately ca €1600 per month net after taxes. The candidate is required to spend at least 9 months at Vilnius University, Lithuania, during the course of the PhD.

The successful candidate will also have access to funding to participate in conferences in the 2nd and 3rd years of their PhD.

Duration

42 month from 01 October 2024. The successful candidate will have a working space at Vilnius University, in a shared office with other members of the group.

Eligibility

Candidates must have:

1. A Master’s degree in Archaeological Science, Life sciences or Chemistry.
2. Laboratory skills.
3. Excellent oral and written English and the skills in writing scientific publications.

A good command of the English language is mandatory. Knowledge of the Lithuanian language is not a requirement.

Applications

Applicants must submit:

1. An academic curriculum vitae.
2. PhD proposal.
3. A transcript of the grades obtained in the MA degree.
4. The names and addresses of two academic referees.
5. All applications must be submitted by email (apply.phd@cr.vu.lt CC giedre.keen@if.vu.lt).

Application deadline: 17.00 (Brussels time), 20^th of June 2024.

1. Shortlisted candidates will be notified no later than 7 days after the deadline and asked to have an online interview. This would be held during the end of June 2024.
2. Candidates will be notified of the result of the selection process 1 week at the latest after the interview process is completed.

Key responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Be able to learn new skills in sample preparation in the laboratory.
• Prepare a number of samples for proteomics analysis.
• Learn bioinformatic approaches to analyse and identify proteins.
• Learn state-of-the-art research methods to be applied during the PhD.

• Apply, when necessary, additional analytical techniques.
• Successfully complete a paper-based PhD thesis by the end of a 3.5-year duration, with at least 4 WoS published papers (2 of which the PhD candidate is a first author) see more: https://www.vu.lt/site_files/DRS/Doctoral_Studies/Vilnius_University_Re….
• Attend 30 credits of courses and pass the required exams, as defined in the regulations of doctoral studies at of Vilnius University.
• Help organize and partake in seminars and conferences organised around the ERC project.
• During their PhD studies the candidates will also be encouraged to participate in other relevant events at Vilnius University and conferences worldwide.