About the Position
Freie Universität Berlin is offering a Research Associate (Predoc)/ PhD position at the Institute of Prehistoric Archaeology, within the Department of History and Cultural Studies. This 65% part-time role, funded for three years under salary group E13 TV-L, is part of the international research project “From Waste to Resource: Ceramic and Bone Waste in Early Neolithic Lifeworlds of Europe (ReNEW)”. The project is jointly run with the University of York and funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Research focuses on Early Neolithic waste practices (c. 6100–4000 cal BC) across sites in Serbia, Romania, Slovakia, and Poland, combining scientific analysis, taphonomy, GIS-based spatial modelling, and socio-cultural interpretation. The role offers the opportunity to pursue a doctorate within a vibrant interdisciplinary archaeological research environment in Berlin.
Position Details
- Position: Research Associate (Predoc) / PhD
- Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
- Department: History and Cultural Studies – Institute of Prehistoric Archaeology
- Research Field: Prehistoric Archaeology
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Part-time (65%), Fixed-term (3 years)
- Start Date (Anticipated): 2026
- Working Hours: 65% of full-time
- Salary Range: E13 TV-L (German public sector pay scale)
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s
Research Area
- Early Neolithic archaeology in Europe
- Archaeological waste studies (ceramics and bone)
- Taphonomy and material culture analysis
- GIS-based spatial analysis (2D & 3D)
- Mesolithic–Neolithic transition
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Completed university degree (Master/Magister) in Prehistoric Archaeology or Prehistory and Early History, or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in digital data analysis
- Knowledge of archaeological artefact research
- Interest in applying GIS in archaeology
- Interest in the Mesolithic–Neolithic transition
- Very good knowledge of German and English
- Strong teamwork skills
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comparative spatial analysis of ceramics, bones, and other finds across four Early Neolithic sites using 2D and 3D GIS
- Integrate results with published quantitative datasets to develop metrics for identifying waste management strategies
- Contribute to the wider objectives of the ReNEW project
- Pursue a doctoral degree within the funded project framework
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically (preferably as one PDF document) by email to:
Prof. Dr. Henny Piezonka – praehist@geschkult.fu-berlin.de
Alternatively, applications may be sent by post to:
Freie Universität Berlin
Department of History and Cultural Studies
Institute of Prehistoric Archaeology
Prof. Dr Henny Piezonka
Fabeckstr. 23–25
14195 Berlin, Germany
Please include the job identifier: PA02_2025-WiMi-AB_Piezonka_RENEW
Required Documents
- Cover letter specifying the job reference PA02_2025-WiMi-AB_Piezonka_RENEW
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copies of academic degree certificates (Master/Magister or equivalent)
- Transcript(s) of records
- Any additional supporting documents relevant to qualifications or research experience (if applicable)
Important Dates
- Advertisement Published: 19 January 2026
- Application Deadline: 9 February 2026
- Interview Date: TBA
Useful Links
- Institution Website: Freie Universität Berlin
- Official Notification: Click here
- Apply now: by email to Prof. Dr Henny Piezonka – praehist@geschkult.fu-berlin.de
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