Research Fellowship (Postdoc): Archaeobotany of the Silk Road 1748 views

The Fruits of Eurasia: Domestication and Dispersal (FEDD) project in the Department of Archaeology at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History (MPI-SHH), is announcing a new vacancy for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. The researcher will study the spread of cultivated crops along the ancient Silk Road through archaeobotancial investigations and urban centers along the ancient trade routes.

Duration: 3 years

Tasks and responsibilities:

• The successful candidate will play a central role in the project and its outputs.
• They will be expected to actively analyze and sort macrobotanical samples in the laboratory in Jena, and independently compile information from historical, archaeological, and agronomic studies to interpret the results.
• The researcher will work under the supervision of Dr. Spengler, but is expected to have a sufficient skillset to function independently.
• The candidate is expected to help coordinate work-study students and graduate students, who are associated with the same project.

Requirements:

Essential:

• PhD in Anthropology, Archaeology, Plant Biology, or Ecology, scholars with previous experience in the agronomic sciences or evolutionary ecology will be considered
• Familiarity with plant taxonomy and morphological studies. Previous experience does not have to be limited to archaeobotanical investigations, and scholars with paleontological or plant systematics backgrounds will be considered
• A strong publications record and demonstration of research competence

Advantageous:

• Experience with archaeobotanical studies of Eurasia
• Experience with palynology and/or wood charcoal identification
• Interest in conducting field research in Central Asia
• Archaeological experience in Central Asia and knowledge of the history of archaeology in this region
• A strong plant taxonomy background, preferably with familiarity of the Inner Asian flora
• Russian fluency or competence

How to apply:

Apply online and application should include:

• Cover letter specifying qualifications and reasons for interest in the post
• CV including all the applicant’s publications and any relevant merits
• Contact information of 3 referees (not necessary for this position)