About Position/Job
The Austrian Archaeological Institute (OeAI) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/x) position under the ERC Starting Grant project HUE. This full-time, one-year postdoctoral role focuses on the geochemical analysis of archaeological pigments and mass spectrometry method development, contributing to the investigation of Mediterranean trade networks from the Late Bronze Age to the 1st century CE.
Based in Vienna, Austria, the position is embedded within the Geochemistry Lab of the Archaeological Sciences Unit, offering access to advanced infrastructure, including MC-ICP-MS (Neoma / Thermo). The project integrates petrography, mineralogy, geochemistry, and digital reference databases to explore pigment provenance, production, and economic exchange systems. This role aligns strongly with OeAI’s mission to advance interdisciplinary archaeological science, combining laboratory-based research, fieldwork, and international collaboration.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Postdoc (f/m/x)
- Institution: Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW)
- Department: Austrian Archaeological Institute (OeAI), Archaeological Sciences Unit
- Research Field: Archaeological Sciences / History
- Location: Vienna, Austria
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Temporary Postdoctoral Position
- Start Date (Anticipated): 2026
- Working Hours: 40 hours per week
- Salary Range: €69,028.40 gross per year (full-time, according to OeAW collective agreement)
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Archaeological Pigment Analysis
- Geochemistry and Provenance Studies
- Mediterranean Trade Networks
- Late Bronze Age to Roman Period Archaeology
- Mass Spectrometry and Isotopic Analysis
- Archaeological Sciences
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Geology, Earth Sciences, Planetary Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field
- Experience in clean laboratory work and sample preparation
- Proven experience with MC-ICP-MS
- Fluency in English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Mineralogy and petrography expertise
- Experience with XRD, SEM-EDS, or XRF
- Fieldwork experience in archaeological contexts
- German language skills
- Motivation to publish and apply for third-party funding
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct geochemical and petrographic analysis of archaeological pigments
- Perform sample preparation, purification, and ion chromatography
- Carry out ICP-MS and MC-ICP-MS analyses
- Develop and test new geochemical tracers
- Participate in archaeological fieldwork
- Operate and maintain laboratory instruments
- Interpret raw analytical data and ensure quality control
- Coordinate clean lab and mass spectrometer usage
- Contribute to publications and interdisciplinary research outputs
Application Process
How to Apply
Submit applications in English as a single PDF via the official online portal.
Required Documents:
- One-page profile summary and availability statement
- Letter of motivation (max. 2 pages)
- CV (max. 3 pages)
- List of publications (if available)
- Copies of academic degree certificates
- Names and contact details of three referees
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 18 Dec 2025
- Deadline: 31 Jan 2026 – 23:55 (Europe/Brussels)
- Interview Date: Not specified
Useful Links
- Institution Website: Austrian Archaeological Institute – Austrian Academy of Sciences (Austria)
- Official Notification Link: click here
- Apply now: click here
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