PhD Student Position (f/m/x) - OeAI

The Austrian Archaeological Institute (OeAI) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), the largest non- university establishment for fundamental research in Austria, is offering a

PHD STUDENT POSITION (F/M/X)

(part-time, 30h per week)

for a duration 3 years. In the ERC StG HUE and the Geochemistry Lab of the Archaeological Sciences Unit at OeAI.

This project brings the organization of ancient pigment production into focus to investigate trade networks and their response to economic and political change. To address this, HUE aims to establish a physical and digital pigment- specific reference database paired with a toolset for pigment analysis: least invasive sampling strategies, key pigments and geochemical tools. This includes petrographic-mineralogical and geochemical analysis and reference data mapping for different areas and periods. We will investigate Mediterranean trade networks through several well-constrained sub-projects from late Bronze Age contexts to the 1st century CE. New tracers will be tested, and a dedicated MC-ICP-MS (Neoma/Thermo) is available.
The successful applicant for this DOC position enrolls as PhD student and is expected to contribute to the project goals, specifically to improving sampling strategies and working on a sub-project in the Aegean and is encouraged to develop own research ideas while finalizing a PhD thesis. The tasks for this project include fieldwork, sample processing and analysis by mass spectrometry (ICP-MS, MC-ICP-MS, TIMS) and integrating the results with other types of analysis (e.g., XRD, SEM-EDS, XRF).

• Master degree in Geology, Earth or Planetary Sciences, Chemistry, Archaeology, Archaeometry or a related field; experience of working in a research environment
• Experience of clean laboratory work, preparation and purification of geological or environmental samples, analysis by TIMS and/or MC-ICP-MS is considered a plus
• Mineralogy-petrography skills and other analytical techniques are considered a plus
• Motivated to be part of an international team, well organized and flexible
• Excellent communication skills (min. B2 in English, German is not crucial)
• Motivated to contribute to scientific publications and to apply for third-party funding

• An exceptional working environment with the possibility for interdisciplinary work and to develop your analytical profile
• Excellent infrastructure and possibilities for career development
• Good public transport connections: your workplace is in the center of Vienna
• An annual gross salary of € 37.773,33 according to the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences

Applications in English (in one pdf): (1) a single front page with the key points of your profile, your interests and availability, (2) a letter of motivation incl. previous work experiences (max. 2 pages), (3) CV (max. 3 pages), (4) list of publications if available, (5) certificates of academic degrees, and (6) names and contact details of three referees.

Please send your application to oeai-personal@oeaw.ac.at (mentioning Job ID: OeAI110DOC224) by October 18th 2024. Starting dates are flexible and the position remains open until filled. If you would like to receive more details about the project or research environment, contact Alexandra Rodler-Rørbo (alexandra.rodler-rorbo@oeaw.ac.at).

The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity. Individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.