Postdoctoral Researcher in Archaeology at the Center of Excellence for Human Prehistory

Department of Archaeology, Ancient History, and Heritage Conservation is a multidisciplinary department characterized by several interdisciplinary collaborations. The department conducts teaching and research in archaeology, osteology, ancient culture and society, Egyptology, Assyriology, heritage conservation, and global environmental history. The department hosts the national research infrastructure Swedigarch and the excellence center The Viking World. The department operates both in Uppsala and Visby (Campus Gotland). The field of archaeology involves around thirty teachers, researchers, and doctoral students with activities on both campuses. Read more about the department here: https://www.uu.se/institution/arkeologi-antik-historia-och-kulturvard Excellence Center for Human Prehistory The Excellence Center for Human Prehistory is a groundbreaking initiative that unites the three research areas of archaeology, genetics, and linguistics. Each discipline has gathered significant amounts of information and developed various research methods for analysis. The center's researchers will focus on bringing together these unique data types and methods to strengthen the interdisciplinary development of the field. A central goal is to educate a new generation of students and research students with competence and insight into the different theoretical models and analytical methods used in various research areas, as well as the ability to work with developing databases. The center aims to illuminate and understand various aspects of human development over the past 10,000 years, creating a comprehensive picture of human prehistory regarding language, culture, and genetic development in Africa, Oceania, and Eurasia. Read more here: https://centerforthehumanpast.se/ We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher in archaeology to contribute to the center's overall goal of illuminating and understanding various aspects of human development over the past 10,000 years. The postdoctoral position will be based at the Department of Archaeology, Ancient History, and Heritage Conservation, and affiliated with the Excellence Center for Human Prehistory. Job Responsibilities The postdoctoral researcher will work with computer-based analytical methods and large databases to develop theory and methods for using aggregated data from archaeology, genetics, and linguistics, thereby developing innovative interdisciplinary research on human development. Based on archaeological perspectives, the proposed postdoctoral project should be able to shed light on various aspects of human prehistory, at the intersection of questions about culture, language, migration, and genetic development. The postdoctoral researcher is free to develop a project idea within the center's overall theme and chronological framework, and we welcome project proposals based on materials from Africa, Oceania, and Eurasia, or a combination of case studies from these areas. Qualification Requirements PhD in archaeology or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD in archaeology. The degree must be obtained no later than the time of employment decision. Preference will be given to those who have obtained their degree within the last three years. The three-year timeframe is calculated from the application deadline. Special circumstances (such as medical leave, parental leave, union responsibilities, etc.) may allow for exceptions. - Proven experience and ability to work with computer-based analytical methods and information in large databases with complex aggregated data. - The applicant must have demonstrated independence and high research quality through high-quality research publications. Very good oral and written English skills are required. - Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with others is necessary. Significant weight will be placed on personal qualities, and interviews and references may be part of the selection process. Desirable/Meriting Qualifications - Previous studies of archaeological material from Africa, Oceania, and Eurasia, or a combination of case studies from these areas. - Knowledge and skills in working with open-source programs such as QGIS and R are advantageous, as is demonstrated ability to contribute to open science principles, particularly in creating open and reusable research data. - Experience working in international and interdisciplinary research contexts is meriting. Application The application should include a CV, a letter describing the applicant and their qualifications, research interests, and publication list. Copies of relevant transcripts, a copy of the doctoral thesis or a draft, and a research project proposal of no more than 6000 characters including spaces. Please provide contact information for at least two references. About the Position The position is a two-year fixed-term contract according to central collective agreement. Full-time employment. May include up to 20% teaching and supervision. Start date: February 15, 2026, or by arrangement. Location: Uppsala For inquiries: Karl-Johan Lindholm, +46701679609, prefekt@ar