PhD position in Archaeology: MPI 1242 views

The Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History and Department of Archaeology is offering one 3-year funded PhD position centering on Olduvai Gorge. The candidate will conduct studies on Early Stone Age technology in close coordination and integration with an interdisciplinary research group.

Study areas:

• Human Evolutionary Studies
• Palaeolithic Archaeology
• Lithic Technology

About the project:

This project has three inter-related components important for assessment of evolutionary developments at Olduvai:

1. Technological and typological analysis of stone tool assemblages from Beds I, II and III;
2. Metric and 3D morphometric studies to establish stone tool manufacture and reutilization of lithic artefacts across the landscape and over time as a measure of mobility and changing strategies in landscape exploitation.
3. Integration of the lithic data sets with information being derived from other data sets, primarily those on lithic sources, faunal exploitation patterns, and environmental change.

Qualifications

• Applicant must have or be about to obtain, a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in Palaeolithic or Prehistoric Archaeology or a closely-related field.
• A strong record of examination at undergraduate and master’s level.
• Willingness to travel from Europe to Africa and Canada to spend considerable amount of time in Tanzania and Olduvai Gorge working with an international and interdisciplinary research team.
• Fluency in English (speaking, reading and writing).
• Effective time management skills and ability to efficiently coordinate research analyses through to publication.
• Candidates are expected to be enthusiastic about learning and exploring interdisciplinary research topics.

Applications:

Apply online with the following documents:

• A cover letter expressing interest in the project’s objectives and outlining your experience.
• A research proposal (2 pages maximum)
• CV
• A piece of written (published or unpublished) work in English (no more than 5 pages).
• Undergraduate and Master’s transcripts
• Names and contact details of 2 referees