The isoTROPIC Research Group at the Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropolgy (formerly known as Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History – MPI-SHH), Jena, Germany is pleased to announce a new open vacancy for a postdoctoral researcher position exploring human history in the tropics. The fulltime position will be for a period of up to 3 years and based in Jena, Germany.
The isoTROPIC Research Group is a permanent Max Planck Independent Research Group opened at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History in 2022. Headed by Dr. Patrick Roberts, it uses multidisciplinary archaeological, historical, biochemical, palaeoenvironmental, and remote-sensing approaches to study the human past in the tropics.
The isoTROPIC Research Group also hosts a state-of-the-art Mass Spectrometry laboratory which applies innovative stable isotope approaches to study past human diets, environments, and mobility, both within the tropics and more generally, with projects ranging from Pleistocene Arabia to Medieval Spain. The laboratory applies bulk approaches to a variety of archaeological materials (teeth, bones, charred plants, sediments), as well as compound-specific analysis of plant wax biomarkers from sediments.
Candidate tasks
The successful candidate will play a central role in the Research Group and its outputs. This call is for an open postdoctoral position and candidates should submit a 3-page proposal (in addition to their CV) that addresses the above questions in line with the isotope facilities and methodologies utilized within the isoTROPIC group, with a particular focus on plant wax biomarker analyses and stable isotope analysis of those biomarkers.
The successful candidate will also play a central role in the day-to-day running of the isotope laboratory as well as operation of our Mass Spectrometers, ensuring high-quality analyses and high sample throughput. They should be keen to assist with ambitious research projects and able to work diligently, meet deadlines, and assist students and researchers in using equipment in the laboratory.
Previous practical experience with the running and maintenance of Mass Spectrometers for isotope analysis is an absolute requirement. Candidates should be able to assist with:
- Day-to-day operation and upkeep of a GC-C-irMS system and biomarker extraction set-up.
- The running of additional Mass Spectrometers including a Thermo DELTA V Advantage Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer coupled to an elemental analyzer and a Thermo DELTA V Advantage Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer coupled to a Gas Bench II Interface.
- Overseeing the entire pipeline for archaeological and palaeoenvironmental isotope analysis, from sampling to pretreatment to analysis and interpretation.
- Supporting PhD students in developing lab-based and Mass Spectrometry skills.
Candidate qualifications
The ideal applicant will have a strong background in Archaeological Science, Geology, Chemistry, Environmental Archaeology, or Earth Sciences, or a strong track record of isotope applications to the study of past human diets and environmental interactions. In-depth practical and theoretical experience in utilising the isotope facilities available within the isoTROPIC group is also essential.
Other prerequisites include evidence of strong oral and written communication skills, including an outstanding publication record, commensurate with career stage. Willingness to work as part of a team and the ability to complete tasks in a timely and structured fashion are also necessities.
Essential:
- PhD in Archaeological Science, Geology, Chemistry, Environmental Archaeology, or Earth Science or a similar discipline.
- Hands on, practical experience exploring stable isotope applications to archaeological or palaeoenvironmental records.
- Practical and theoretical experience with the Mass Spectrometry systems available within the isoTROPIC group, with a particular focus on biomarker analyses.
- Practical experience in developing and utilizing pretreatment protocols for isotope analysis in archaeological or palaeoenvironmental contexts, with a particular focus on biomarker extraction.
Advantageous:
- A track record of innovative archaeological isotope project development and completion
- Experience with archaeological, historical and palaeoenvironmental datasets
- Experience in linking records of past human behaviour and human-environment interactions to contemporary challenges
- Experience running, or helping to run, day-to-day operation of a laboratory
- Outreach skills in the context of communicating isotope approaches to the past to the general public.
Our Offer
We offer a unique opportunity to develop cutting edge research in the city of Jena that is renowned for its position at the intersection of Biogeochemical, Ecological, and Archaeological research. The Max Planck Society promotes these multidisciplinary connections and this position offers the candidate the possibility of making the most of such networks and become a leader in novel isotopic approaches to the study of the human past. The candidate will also have the opportunity to work closely with members of the Institute beyond the isoTROPIC Research Group, including within the Department of Archaeology.
The position will ideally begin on the 1st of November 2022 though some flexibility in start date is possible. The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more individuals with disabilities and especially encourages them to apply. We are also committed to encouraging diversity and actively challenging biases based on gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion and other components of identity.
The Max Planck Society is supporting the compatibility of family and career and is certified according to the "berufundfamilie" (“job and family”) audit.
Renumeration will follow the public service pay scale (TVöD), according to the candidate’s qualifications and experience up to paygroup 13. In addition, social benefits are offered as per the regulations of the German Civil Service, f.e. occupational pension and subsidies for public transport.
Please submit your application (which should include a cover letter, a 3-page project proposal, CV of no more than 3 pages, list of publications with a maximum of 10 relating to the topic, and any relevant certificates) by September, 16th. You are also required to submit three references which are also due by September, 16th. Please submit your application as a single pdf file in English using the link below.
https://lotus2.gwdg.de/mpg/mjws/perso/shh_p040.nsf/application
Contact for more information:
Dr. Patrick Roberts, Email: roberts@shh.mpg.de
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