Postdoc in Historical Osteology Full-time NEW

Postdoctoral Researcher in Historical Osteology

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top universities. The University has around 46,000 students and 8,500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

The Department of Archaeology and Ancient History is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a fixed-term two-year position.

The post is linked to the project 'Climate Cooling from Volcanic Super-eruptions and European Epidemics during Preindustrial Times' within the Division of Historical Osteology.

The Research Project

The project investigates the link between abrupt climate cooling following major volcanic eruptions and outbreaks of infectious diseases, focusing on both ecological mechanisms and how people's living conditions change as a result of, for example, crop failures, malnutrition, migration and overcrowding. By combining archaeological and historical data with modelling, epidemics of plague, typhoid and cholera are analysed. A new climate-driven human-ecological model for disease spread will be developed and used in both case studies and global simulations. The aim is to provide new insights into how natural disasters, climate change and epidemics are interlinked, with implications for both historical research and the understanding of climate-related health crises.

Tasks and Responsibilities

In this project, you will investigate how climate-related crises, deteriorating living conditions and epidemics are reflected in pre-industrial societies through bone material. Quantitative methods and modelling are important tools, but the focus is on interpreting long-term societal changes from an archaeological and historical perspective. Your main task will be to analyse human osteological material from the Iron Age, as well as to select bone material for analysis.

The position is a career development post, and its purpose is to act as an initial step on a career path by providing the opportunity to to deepen and broaden your research expertise. The position also includes some pedagogical training. Teaching, supervision and other teaching-related duties may also be included in the duties, but up to a maximum of one-fifth of the working time.

What We Offer

As a Postdoc you are given an opportunity to develop your independence as a researcher with the support of senior colleagues. The appointment is limited to 2 years and is full time in accordance with the Agreement regarding fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral fellow. International employees are supported in their move to Sweden. If you have a family, they will find new contacts and support through Lund's International Citizen Hub.

Lund University is a government agency, which means that you get special benefits, generous holidays and a favourable occupational pension. Find out more on the University website about working with us.

Qualifications

The position requires a PhD in historical osteology, bioarchaeology or another related subject relevant to the project's focus. The degree must normally have been obtained no more than three years prior to the closing date for applications, unless there are special circumstances. The applicant must have documented academic ability and a very good command of spoken and written English.

The assessment will primarily be based on your research merits and your potential as a researcher. Particular emphasis will be placed on research competence within the subject area.

Qualification Requirements

• Doctoral degree or equivalent international degree in historical osteology, bioarchaeology, or another related subject relevant to the project's focus.
• Good ability to develop and carry out high-quality research.
• Teaching skills.
• You have not previously been employed as a postdoc researcher under the existing agreement on fixed-term postdoc employment for more than one year in the same or a related subject area with Lund University.
• Documented experience of conducting demographic research on archaeological/historical issues
• The ability to work in a structured and independent manner
• Good teamwork skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English

Terms

The appointment is limited to 2 years and is full time in accordance with the Agreement regarding fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral fellow.

How to Apply

Your application should be written in English and include:

• a CV

• a personal letter explaining your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications

• a copy of your doctoral degree certificate

• a list of publications (including DOI, ISBN or ISSN numbers)

• a doctoral thesis

In addition to the doctoral thesis, it is possible to submit up to five publications.