Postdoctoral Research at the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology

The Department of Evolutionary Anthropology at the Faculty of Life Sciences seeks to appoint a post-doctoral researcher with expertise in archaeology/archaeological science and project management of archaeological fieldwork to work with Professor Tom Higham and Associate Professor Katerina Douka on two research projects supported by the European Research Council (DISPERSE & RIFT-to-RIM). This is a non-renewable 4-year position.

Position Overview:

The applicant will work on managing the two projects, as well as implementing specific tasks within them, mainly concerned with field-based work, as well as the sampling of material for scientific analysis (radiocarbon dating, sediment DNA and proteomics). The position would suit someone who has direct experience in archaeological fieldwork (especially prehistoric/Palaeolithic) as well as in some areas of archaeological science, although the latter is not essential. Experience of either directing a team or working within a team is highly desirable.

The two research projects are funded by the European Research Council, and commence in 2025.

DISPERSE (ERC Advanced grant: Higham)

The “Disperse” ERC project will explore the key steps in the movement of humans out of Africa and into Eurasia, where they encountered Neanderthals and other now extinct forms of human. It is thought that the modern day Levant was the location through which humans passed. The key Lebanese archaeological site of Ksar ‘Akil will be reopened for excavation and sampling to test the arrival of humans in the Levant, obtain sediment DNA, reconstruct the climatic record and consider the role of novel technological developments in tracking the dispersal of humans into the Old World.  The latest dating methods will also be used to build chronologies from archaeological sites across Eurasia and track the dispersal of modern humans.

RIFT-TO-RIM (ERC Consolidator grant : Douka)

This ERC project aims to fill the gaps in understanding the pathways of modern human dispersals into Eurasia, and Sahul by ~60,000 years ago, this being the supercontinent that connected present-day Australia, Papua New Guinea and Tasmania. The project's principal objective is the discovery and analysis of new early modern human fossils from under-researched parts of the world. State-of-the-art palaeoproteomic and palaeogenetic methods will be used to screen thousands of archaeological bones, and hundreds of sediment samples for molecular clues. The material will be collected from 21 archaeological sites in six countries (South Africa, Lesotho, Kenya, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea), dating to between 200,000 and 10,000 years ago.  

Your Responsibilities:

• Acting as a point of contact/Coordinator in managing two large ERC grants in archaeology and archaeological science (the DISPERSE project of Higham and the RIFT-TO-RIM project led by Douka);
• Coordinate traveling and fieldwork arrangements, liaising with field-based teams of researchers in several different countries in Asia and Africa where the research is based;
• Taking responsibility, with others in the teams, for the sampling and recording of important archaeological material for scientific analysis (radiocarbon, proteomics, ancient DNA) from archaeological sites;
• Acting as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols, data management and experimental techniques and be responsible for the training of new members of the group;
• Helping maintain two separate databases for each project;
• You will contribute to the Faculty’s teaching activities;
• Collaborating with colleagues in the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology on a range of applied projects incorporating aspects of archaeological science, proteomics, genetics and dating;
• Writing and preparing scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present conference papers and posters;
• Representing the group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone.

Your Profile:

• Hold a relevant PhD in archaeology, geoarchaeology, or archaeological science, together with relevant experience;
• Have experience of working within archaeological teams in the field and/or laboratory and, preferably in an organisational role;
• Have experience in prehistoric archaeology (Palaeolithic/Stone Age);
• Possess an ability to manage academic research and associated activities;
• Have excellent communication skills, including the ability to write reports, contribute to publications, and present results to research group meetings. 

Desirable selection criteria

• Experience in establishing fieldwork and archaeological excavation projects;
• Experience of managing and running interdisciplinary research projects in different countries;
• Experience of actively collaborating in the development of research articles for publication;
• Experience of databases and IT.

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (upon agreement).

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 4,932,90 (14 times a year) for a period of 4 years / 48 months increases if we can credit professional experience.

Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• With your curriculum vitae;
• Short motivation letter (German or English) which summarizes your research interests/plans and demonstrates your motivation for this position. (max. 1 p.);
• Doctoral Degree;
• Contact details of persons who could provide reference letters;
• Via our job portal/ Apply now -  button.