Freie Universität Berlin is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Position in the project “Management, Care and Mobility of Equidae in the Northwestern Roman Empire” at the Institute of Prehistoric Archaeology, Department of History and Cultural Studies. This fully funded DFG project, supervised by Dr. Maaike Groot, focuses on the study of breeding, keeping, and mobility of horses and horse hybrids in Germania Inferior and Germania Superior during the Roman period. The research combines archaeozoology, biometrics, paleopathology, ZooMS, aDNA analysis, stable isotope studies, and dental microwear analysis to explore horse logistics, morphology, and supply to the Roman army. This exciting position offers international collaboration, hands-on fieldwork in archaeological collections, and innovative laboratory analysis, aligning with the department’s goal of integrating archaeological science with historical research while promoting public knowledge of antiquity.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
- Department: History and Cultural Studies – Classical Studies, Institute of Prehistoric Archaeology
- Research Field: Archaeology / Archaeozoology / Roman Studies
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Postdoc, 3-year fixed term
- Start Date (Anticipated): March 2026
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary Range: TV-L E13
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Roman equine management and mobility
- Archaeozoology of horses and horse hybrids
- Stable isotope analysis
- Ancient DNA (aDNA) studies
- Dental microwear analysis
- Biometric and paleopathological analysis
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Archaeology or related field
- PhD in Archaeology, Archaeozoology, or Archaeological Science
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in archaeozoology, stable isotope analysis, or dental microwear studies
- Knowledge of the Roman Northwest Provinces’ history and archaeology
- Competency in statistical analyses
- Proficiency in German and English (C1 level)
- Strong communication, organisational skills, and teamwork
- Willingness to undertake extended archive visits
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct an individual analysis of 50 Roman equine skeletons from Germany and the Netherlands
- Examine archaeological materials and take samples in museum and archive collections
- Perform archaeozoological, biometric, and paleopathological analyses of skeletons
- Conduct sampling and preparation for ZooMS, aDNA, and stable isotope analyses
- Prepare dental casts and perform microwear investigations
- Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and co-author scientific publications
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications should be submitted electronically by email or by post to Dr. Maaike Groot. Email: praehist@geschkult.fu-berlin.de
Postal Address:
Freie Universität Berlin
Department of History and Cultural Studies
Classical Studies – Institute of Prehistoric Archaeology
Frau Dr. Maaike Groot
Fabeckstr. 23-25
14195 Berlin, Germany
Required Documents:
- Cover letter detailing research experience and motivation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- List of publications (if applicable)
- Contact details of 2–3 referees
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 06 January 2026
- Deadline: 03 February 2026
- Interview Date: To be announced
Useful Links
- Institution Website: Freie Universität Berlin
- Official Notification Link: click here
- Apply now: Email to praehist@geschkult.fu-berlin.de
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