Vacatures
Archeovacatures is een dienst van Erfgoed Nederland
Universiteit Leiden
Ph.D candidate zooarchaeology
m/v, 38 uur p.w.
Algemene omschrijving
The Faculty of Archaeology of Leiden University is seeking applications for two Ph.D positions in the field of the Archaeology of the Near East, on behalf of the NWO-funded research programme entitled: Abrupt Climate Change and the Cultural Transformation of Syria in Late Prehistory (c. 6800-5800 BC). The positions are available as of May 1, 2006. The research programme comprises multidisciplinary research into the material, technological, economic, social and ecological changes in Late Neolithic Syria during the seventh and early sixth millennium BC. Special attention is given to the relationship between an abrupt climatic change around 6200 BC and a number of contemporaneous, very far-reaching, material innovations and socio-economic transformations in local prehistoric society. This abrupt climate change of 8200 years ago (the "8.2k calBP climate event") has received wide attention among natural scientists, also because of today's rapid climate changes and their impact on our own society. The archaeological implications, however, have not been investigated so far. This research programme is primarily based on the extensive recent fieldwork at Tell Sabi Abyad in Syria but includes information from other archaeological sites as well. The project treats a number of important cultural and ecological changes that have hardly or not been dealt with before in Near Eastern archaeology, and it comprises the analysis of natural isotopes, animal bones, plant remains, architecture, settlement history and material culture. An essential part is the reevaluation of existing concepts and explanatory models for the Late Neolithic period. The integration of new data and insights is expected to throw a new light on what has so far been one of the darkest periods in the history of the Near East.
Taken
This project aims to explore the developments and changes in the exploitation of animals in Syria in the Late Neolithic, primarily based on the analysis of an extensive sample of animal bone retrieved from well-defined archaeological contexts at Tell Sabi Abyad, c. 6800-6200 BC. It comprises aspects of taphonomy, ageing and osteometry; the reconstruction of the local spectrum of domestic and wild fauna; the degree of domestication and the role of domestic animals in the subsistence economy and the social field; the composition of herds and the strategies of herd management; the role of pastoralism; the exploitation of the wild and its integration into the subsistence economy; the contribution of hunting to the diet; the (dis)continuity in the exploitation of both domesticated and wild animals through time; the exploitation of animals for their secondary products; and the relationship between the fauna and its natural environment. The newly obtained results will be integrated with previous research, in order to gain an insight into the long-term exploitation of animals. The integral approach allows the evaluation of developments in the use of animals versus the impact of the climate change c. 6200 BC, including an investigation of possible adaptations to changing environmental conditions and concurrently changing socio-economic needs at this time. Isotopic studies of bone remains are an important component of the research and will be used to investigate aspects of palaeoclimate, diet and mobility. The isotopic analysis will be carried out in collaboration with the Groningen Centre for Isotope Research.
Vaardigheden
The successful candidate:
- Is capable, creative, enthusiast and highly motivated, and he/she has a clear affinity with the theme of research;
- Must have an excellent academic track record and must have a Master's degree in the field of archaeology or equivalent;
- Must have a background in the field of "science-based archaeology", preferably including isotope studies, and must have an excellent, demonstrable experience in the field of zooarchaeology or equivalent (preferably shown by means of his/her MA thesis and/or publications);
- Must have an excellent knowledge of the English language in speech and in writing (the Ph.D thesis is written in English);
- Is willing and able to participate in the teaching programme, both in the specific area of the doctoral research and in the broader area of the discipline;
- Must be capable of completely finishing the proposed research within the assigned four years of the project.
Standplaats
Leiden
Arbeidsvoorwaarden
The appointment is full-time (38 hrs per week). The appointment is temporary for one year and will be extended in principle for another three years, if progress is satisfactory. The salary is € 1877 gross per month during the first year, increasing to maximally € 2407 gross per month during the fourth year, based upon a full-time employment and in conformity with current salary scales under the collective labour agreement (CAO) for Dutch universities. The starting date is preferably May 1, 2006.
Overige informatie
For additional information with respect to content of the positions, please contact: prof.dr. P.M.M.G. Akkermans, project director, +31-71-516 31 49, p.m.m.g.akkermans@arch.leidenuniv.nl. For questions concerning the terms of employment, the applicants are requested to contact: Ms. R.E. Speelman, personnel advisor, +31-71-527 27 79, r.e.speelman@let.leidenuniv.nl. Procedure: Candidates are invited to send a letter of application (in English or Dutch), as well as a detailed curriculum vitae, a copy of their Master's thesis, a list of their university courses plus examination marks, and the names and addresses of two or more referees. The requested information should arrive no later than March 6, 2006. Candidates who are considered to be potentially suitable for the positions will subsequently receive an invitation for an interview with the committee responsible for making the recommendations to the faculty board. Applications should be sent to Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University, Mrs. M.J.P. Okker-de Jager, Head Personnel Department, Postbus 9515, 2300 RA Leiden and should arrive no later than March 6, 2006. The vacancy number "6-019" should be mentioned on both the letter and the envelope. Applications sent via e-mail will not be considered.
Reageren voor
6 mrt 2006