Post-doctoral Fellowship in Ceramic Petrography
Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw
Position: Postdoctoral Researcher (Full-Time, Research Only, 1 Year)
Preferred start date: October 1st, 2025 but open to negotiation (up to 4-months)
We are seeking an enthusiastic and hard-working researcher with good team-working capabilities for a 1-year post-doctoral fellowship at the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology, Polish Academy of Science, Warsaw. The fellowship will be part of the National Science Centre-funded project “From the first to the last Mycenaeans in the area of the Gulf of Volos (Thessaly)”, coordinated by Dr Bartłomiej Lis. The project’s aim is to improve our understanding of the socio-political and economic developments in Coastal Thessaly during the Late Bronze Age, as well as its relationship with the surrounding world.
The successful candidate will join a dynamic research group focused on the Aegean Bronze Age that includes permanent researchers of the Institute, as well as post-doctoral and doctoral researchers conducting research either within the same project or working on their own individual projects. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to this group through discussions, presentations, practical demonstrations, as well as through conference presentation and publications.
Description of Tasks
- Petrographic analysis of Late Bronze Age pottery from sites within the Gulf of Volos, particularly transport stirrup jars from the site of Pefkakia (this material is already sampled [58 samples in total] and available for analysis; additional sampling can be undertaken if deemed necessary). The main objective of the analysis is to establish provenance of the sampled fragments, but aspects of technology will also be of interest.
- Comparison of the results of petrographic analysis with macroscopically discernible fabrics to single out traits that may help identify defined petrographic fabric groups macroscopically.
- Experimental refiring of left-over chips in different temperatures, following the principles of MGR analysis (Matrix Groups by Refiring).
- SEM analysis, carried out in collaboration with Institute’s laboratory, aimed at estimation of firing temperature and semi-quantitative analysis of clay base.
- Selection and subsequent petrographic characterization of finer pottery following results of NAA analysis (already accomplished).
Requirements
PhD in Archaeology/Archaeological Sciences/Geology obtained no earlier than 7 years ago (this period can be extended in the case of women by 18 months for each child). Applicants who are finishing their PhDs are eligible, under the condition that they will obtain the degree no later than by the start date of the fellowship.
Previous experience in petrographic analysis of pottery, proven through publications/reports. Experience with fabrics of transport stirrup jars in particular and/or pottery from Crete in general will be an advantage.
Presentation of results at international conference(s) and at least one publication submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.
Optional
Experience with pottery analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy
What We Offer
A stimulating working environment
Access to a petrographic microscope and an SEM.
A monthly salary of ca. 8350 PLN gross (equivalent to ca. 1900 EUR gross, subjected to exchange rate fluctuations and taxation regulations)
A work space in Warsaw.
Support in applying for grants from Polish and international sources for future projects.
Additional funding for research trips, participation in conferences and payment of open-access fees for selected publications.
Required Documents
- Cover letter
- Detailed curriculum vitae
- Copies of transcripts of BSc/MSc/PhD degree(s)
- Names and contact details of at least two referees
- Copies (PDFs) of any relevant publications
Please send all required documents to Dr Bartłomiej Lis (blis@iaepan.edu.pl)
The deadline for applications is August 1st 2025.
The selection committee reserves the right to conduct interviews with selected candidates. Results will be announced by September 1st 2025.
Please include the following clause in your CV:
I give consent for my personal data included in the recruitment form to be processed by Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology PAS with its registered seat in Warsaw at al. Solidarności 105 (data controller) for the purposes of recruitment for Postdoctoral Researcher position pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC in compliance with a legal obligation to which the data controller is subject to (Art. 6 section 1 letter a) and the Act on personal data protection of 10 May 2018 (Journal of Laws of 2018, item 1000).