Doctoral Student Position in Isotope Zooarchaeology at the Max Planck Institute

The Department of Human Evolution of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig (Germany), invites applications for a doctoral candidate position (PhD) focusing on isotopic analysis of zooarchaeological remains from Palaeolithic sites. In the Department, palaeoanthropological research is conducted within a multidisciplinary environment involving groups of scientists including biological anthropologists, Palaeolithic archaeologists, archaeological scientists, and geochronologists. Isotope mass spectrometry forms a significant component of the archaeological sciences group with a well-equipped laboratory. More information about the Department and the labs can be found on our web site.

We are seeking a doctoral candidate to further refine the methodological and practical parameters for the use of stable isotope analysis of ungulate teeth/bone as a palaeoenvironmental proxy. The aim is to enhance our understanding of past temperatures/environments, palaeoseasonality and past hominin landscape use, generating site- and region-specific and diachronic datasets. The programme of research will include study design, sample collection, analysis, methodological development, and publication.

This position begins September, 2016, with full funding for 3 years and an optional fourth year as required. The position is primarily based in Leipzig at the MPI-EVA. The candidate will complete a cumulative thesis of papers. Applicants must have completed a Master’s degree by September, 2016. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in isotopic chemistry and/or isotope analysis as applied to archaeology or palaeoclimate reconstruction.

The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more physically impaired individuals and to increasing the share of women in areas where they are underrepresented, and therefore expressly encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

For further information please contact Prof. Jean-Jacques Hublin (hublin at eva.mpg.de) or Dr. Kate Britton (kate_britton at eva.mpg.de). Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, reprints of selected publications, a short statement of research interests, and the names of three referees. Please hand in these documents during the application process.

To apply, please click here.