Honorary Fellowship

We are looking for an Honorary Fellow to carry out research on the Gerda Henkel Foundation-funded project “The power of relics: curating human bone in the British Bronze Age” (1 October 2015-30 September 2016) based at the Department of Archaeology & Anthropology, University of Bristol. The post carries a stipend of €2000 per month.

Together with Dr Joanna Brück (Principal Investigator), the researcher will examine evidence for the curation of ‘relics’ (pieces of human bone that were deliberately retained over long periods of time) in the British Bronze Age. The researcher will collate a list of isolated fragments of human bone from settlement contexts and from graves containing the complete (or near-complete) bodies of other individuals, and will identify, collect and submit suitable samples for radiocarbon dating. This research will involve use of published sources and internet resources, and travel to archives across the study region to view unpublished documents and finds and to take samples for dating. Some stays of up to two or three nights may be required. The researcher will create a database to record and identify patterning in the evidence and will analyse the radiocarbon dates obtained by the project to assess evidence for the curation of bone. The researcher will work with the PI to produce project publications, and present interim results at conferences. S/he will also assist with project administration, including preparation of reports for the Gerda Henkel Foundation, and will plan and organise their own research trips.

Relevant Qualifications

1. A PhD in archaeology

Relevant experience, skills and knowledge

Essential
1. Experience of analysing archaeological site stratigraphy and contextual information
2. Experience of human osteoarchaeology
3. Experience of working with databases

Desirable
1. Specialist knowledge of the European Bronze Age
2. A sound understanding of the principles of radiocarbon dating
3. Experience of collecting samples for radiocarbon dating and analyzing dating results
4. Experience of using graphics software to produce illustrations to publication standard
5. Experience of authoring or co-authoring academic publications

Application Process

Please send a CV and covering letter to the Principal Investigator, Dr Joanna Brück (Joanna.bruck@bristol.ac.uk). The closing date for applications is 30 June 2015.

Selection Process

It is expected that interviews will be held in the week starting 3 August 2015 at the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, 43 Woodland Road, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UU.

6 Further information

A detailed description of the project may be obtained by email from the Principal Investigator. Further information on the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology can found on the Departmental website at http://www.bris.ac.uk/archanth/