Postdoctoral Research Associate in Osteoarchaeology on ERC Project BODY-POLITICS

Vacancy terms: Full-time fixed term contract for two years from 01 August 2024 to 31 July 2026

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled and motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the team of the ERC-funded BODY-POLITICS project based at the School of Archaeology and Ancient History (SAAH), University of Leicester. Further information about the project is available here.

You will co-coordinate the work packageBody-Objects in collaboration with PI Dr Marianne Hem Eriksen and Dr Emma Tollefsen. You will help analyse and interpret osteological, taphonomic, and osteobiographical information from fragmentary and co-mingled human remains deposited in diverse and atypical contexts during in first millennium CE Scandinavia and northern Europe.

The majority of primary analyses have now been conducted and sampling is underway. In collaboration with the PI, Dr Tollefsen, and team, you will be responsible for synthesizing and interrogating results of the archaeological, osteological and biomolecular analyses, particularly writing up research findings for publication. You will be part of the Body-Politics team consisting of PI Dr Marianne Hem Eriksen, postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, collaborators, and an international advisory board.

SAAH has a vibrant and friendly research environment in archaeology and bioarchaeology. In addition to the Body-Politics project, you will be a member of the research cluster 'Intersectional Bodies'. There will be opportunities to seek experience in organisation of academic conferences and meetings, teaching and similar, in alignment with your own aspirations and availability of opportunities.

The successful candidate must expect some travel.

About you

You will have PhD in osteology, or a PhD in archaeology with significant subsequent osteological experience. A strong publication record and excellent academic writing skills are essential for this role. You will have strong time management skills and the ability to collaborate constructively as part of a team. Research interest in social theory of the body and/or osteobiographies and taphonomy is desirable, and knowledge of the archaeology of Iron and Viking Age Scandinavia would be advantageous.

Please see Job Summary Form on the University of Leicester website page for full list of essential and desired criteria, available by clicking the apply button.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to the Principal Investigator, Dr Marianne Hem Eriksen, on mhe6@leicester.ac.uk.

Interviews are anticipated to take place in mid-June 2024.

Please provide a full CV including list of publications, and a three-page (maximum) personal statement outlining research interests, previous research experience, and fit with essential and desired criteria.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

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