The Austrian Archaeological Institute (OeAI) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), Austria’s leading non-university research and science institution, is offering a position as

Postdoc (f/m/x)

(full-time, 40 h per week for 1 year)

for the geochemical analysis of archaeological pigments and mass spectrometry method development in the ERC StG HUE and the Geochemistry Lab of the Archaeological Sciences Unit at OeAI-OeAW.

Your Tasks

Through material provenance and processing, HUE brings the organization of 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 for this.

The successful applicant is expected to contribute to the project goals, to focus on sample analysis by MC-ICP-MS and is encouraged to develop own research agendas. The tasks for this project include fieldwork, sample processing incl. ion chromatography, and sample analysis by mass spectrometry (ICP-MS, MC-ICP-MS) and other types of analysis (e.g., XRD, SEM-EDS, XRF). Further tasks include instrument operation, technical maintenance, and raw data interpretation (incl. quality control and record keeping) and coordinating the usage of the clean lab and mass spectrometer, ensuring correct storage of expendables following national and international standards and regulations.

Your Profile

• PhD in Geology, Earth Sciences, Planetary Sciences, Chemistry or a related field; experience of working in a research environment
• Comprehensive knowledge of clean laboratory work incl. preparation and purification of geological and/or environmental samples
• Experience with (troubleshooting) MC-ICP-MS
• Mineralogy-petrography skills and other analytical techniques are considered a plus
• Motivated to work in the lab as well as in the field, across and beyond disciplines
• Individual who is able to work independent and as part of a team, well organized and flexible
• Excellent communication skills (fluent in English, German is an asset but not crucial)
• Motivated to contribute to scientific publications and to apply for third-party funding

Our Offer

• An exceptional working environment with a broad array of research groups and diverse possibilities of interdisciplinary work as well as possibility to develop your analytical profile and collaborate with a wide range of institutions
• Excellent infrastructure and possibilities for career development and support for obtaining your own funding
• Good public transport connections: your workplace is in the center of Vienna
• Depending on qualifications, an annual gross salary according to the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences of € 69.028,40 (on full-time basis)

How to apply?

Applications in English (in one pdf): (1) a single front page with the key points of your profile and application, your interest and availability, (2) a letter of motivation incl. previous work experiences and research interests (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.

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.