Postdoctoral Researcher Position in Bioarchaeology at Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain

About Position/Job

The PollutedPast project, led by Dr. Olalla López-Costas, offers a unique opportunity for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Geochemistry, Stable Isotopes, and Histology of archaeological human remains. This project focuses on studying human exposure to metal pollution during the Roman and Medieval periods in Iberia and Scandinavia, combining advanced geochemical and isotopic analyses with historical and archaeological insights into paleodiet, paleomobility, and paleopollution. Supported by CRETUS, an interdisciplinary research center at the University of Santiago de Compostela, this project aims to expand knowledge in bioarchaeology and environmental archaeology, exploring the long-term effects of pollution on ancient societies.

Position/Job Details

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher in Geochemistry
Institution: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
Department: History (Archaeology)
Research field: Bioarchaeology
Location: Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Number of posts: 1 or 2 positions
Job Type: Full-time, Postdoc
Start Date (Anticipated): 1st September 2025
Working Hours: Full-time
Salary Range: 31,697.96€/year
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research Area

Geochemical analyses of bone and teeth
Stable isotope analysis for paleodiet and paleomobility
Mercury pollution and its impact on diet and mobility
Osteoarchaeology and skeletal variation
Hard tissue histology

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in the study of archaeological human/animal remains
Expertise in one of the following:
- Geochemical analysis (FTIR, XRD)
- Isotopic reconstruction of diet and mobility
- Hard tissue histology
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment
Experience in writing and publishing international research papers in English

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of Spanish, Swedish, and/or Galician
Previous experience with Roman or Medieval European collections
Familiarity with new geochemistry techniques
Experience in anthropometry or paleopathology

Key Responsibilities

Conduct research on paleodiet, paleomobility, and paleopollution at Roman and Medieval Iberian sites
Reconstruct diets and mobility patterns using multi-isotopic techniques
Investigate mercury pollution’s relationship with diet and mobility
Analyze intra- and inter-skeletal variation
Collaborate with the PollutedPast team on research and publications

Application Process

How to Apply

Send a CV, motivation letter, and contact details of 2-3 referees to Elena Brea at elena.brea@usc.es with the subject line “Postdoctoral Researcher Geochemistry”. For informal inquiries, please contact Olalla López Costas at olalla.lopez@usc.es.

Required Documents: