Closing Date: 08/03/2024

The Cyprus Institute (CyI) is a European non-profit Science and Technology oriented Educational and Research Institution based in Cyprus and led by an acclaimed Board of Trustees. The research agenda of the CyI is pursued at its five Research Centres: The Computation-based Science and Technology Research Centre (CaSToRC), the Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Centre (STARC), the Energy Environment Water Research Centre (EEWRC), the Climate and Atmosphere Research Centre (CARE-C), and the Science and Technology Driven Policy and Innovation Research Centre (STeDI-RC). Considerable cross-centre interaction is a characteristic of the Institute’s culture.

The Cyprus Institute invites applications for a highly qualified and motivated individual to join the Institute as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at STARC. STARC is devoted to the development, introduction and use of advanced science and technology methods in the field of archaeology and cultural heritage. At STARC, the faculty, research scientists, and doctoral students, often in partnership with national or international research organizations, employ diverse and multidisciplinary methods to explore the past of Cyprus and the broader Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.

The Post-doctoral Research Fellow will be expected to conduct research on several projects of the A. G. Leventis Professor in Archaeological Sciences, such as pre-modern production of crucible steel, brass making, iron smithing, and related technical ceramics. It is expected that the successful candidate will support and contribute to the individual projects of the PI, including assisting with access to research material, sampling and arranging export permits where required. Preference will be given to applicants who can demonstrate how their own professional development will benefit from regular interaction with the lead Professor of the Institute for the specific field and other colleagues at STARC / CyI.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the development of archaeological materials science research at STARC more widely, including engaging with academic visitors and cooperative research with colleagues within and outside CyI.

The research activity is mainly based in the Archaeological Materials Science labs of STARC, using the metallographic microscope, SEM-EDS, and hhXRF as the main analytical instruments; fluency in their use for the study of metals, slags and technical ceramics is essential, and the availability for fieldwork in South Asia, West Africa and beyond is expected.

In addition, the position requires the production of English-language peer-reviewed publications for journals and monographs, as well as international conference presentations.

The period of the appointment will be for a duration of 36 months. An internationally competitive remuneration package will be offered, which is commensurate with the level of experience of the successful candidate.

Responsibilities/activities to be involved in:

1. Implement and complete case studies and synthetic research of the PI’s research on global crucible steel and brass production, including existing and new archaeological material from Central and South Asia, West Africa, and Europe, in close cooperation with the PI;
2. Conduct fieldwork and laboratory research as appropriate and under the supervision and mentorship of the PI to enhance and complete the data base;
3. Prepare and conduct experimental research (test firings under various conditions) to simulate crucible steel making and / or brass making by cementation, and document the outcomes of these experiments;
4. Contribute to the development of a major publication re-assessing 2nd millennium cementation processes (such as crucible steel or brass making technology globally), in close cooperation with the PI;
5. Publish research activities and outcomes at relevant conferences and media, as co-authored outputs meeting the highest standards of academic best practice;
6. Support the PI in the supervision and mentoring of research visitors and students in the Archaeological Materials Science laboratories; and
7. Develop and maintain their own professional network of archaeological science practitioners in areas of particular interest, such as Asia and Africa, jointly with the PI.

Required Qualifications

1. PhD in Archaeometallurgy or Archaeological Materials Science, or a related field (Materials Science, Geology, Petrology, Metallurgy, Inorganic Chemistry)
2. Publication track record as appropriate for the career stage
3. Fieldwork and laboratory experience relevant for the project
4. Experience in the archaeometallurgy of iron (slags and metal)
5. 3 years of relevant research experience (including research done as doctoral student)
6. Fluency in English as an academic language
7. Experience in organizing fieldwork outside Europe
8. Excellent laboratory working experience
9. Excellent knowledge of the English language, both verbal and writing
10. Demonstrated development ability, outstanding organizational, analytical, problem solving and communication skills
11. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to adopt to a multicultural/multinational environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in relevant languages related to the proposed fieldwork requirement
• Fieldwork experience in South Asia.

Application

For full consideration, interested applicants should process their application at The Cyprus Institute Exelsys Platform (https://bit.ly/3HDLRTw) based on the instructions given. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae including a short letter of interest, list of publications and a list of three (3) referees (including contact information) (all documentation should be in English and in PDF format). For further information, please contact Prof Thilo Rehren (th.rehren@cyi.ac.cy). Please note that applications which do not fulfill the required qualifications and do not follow the announcement’s guidelines will not be considered.

Recruitment will continue until the position is filled.

The Cyprus Institute is an Equal Opportunities Employer certified from the Cypriot Ministry of Labor and also an HRS4R accredited Institution that adheres to the European Commission’s “Charter & Code” principles for recruitment and selection.

Contact person: Thilo Rehren

Reference number: STARC_PDF_24_02