Research Assistant Position in Archaeometry at Curt-Engelhorn-Zentrum Archäometrie gGmbH, Mannheim, Germany

About Position

The Curt-Engelhorn-Zentrum Archäometrie gGmbH is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to join their interdisciplinary team focused on archaeometry. This research-driven position provides the opportunity to develop expertise in isotope analysis and its application for provenance determination and process analysis of archaeological finds. The role involves close collaboration with archaeologists and geoscientists, contributing to cutting-edge research projects in archaeometallurgy and related fields.

Position Details

Position: Research Assistant
Institution: Curt-Engelhorn-Zentrum Archäometrie gGmbH
Department: Archaeometry
Research Field: Isotope Geochemistry, Archaeometallurgy, Geosciences
Location: Mannheim, Germany
Number of Posts: 1
Job Type: Full-time (Limited to 2 years, with potential for permanent employment)
Start Date (Anticipated): June 2025
Working Hours: Full-time
Salary Range: Negotiable (Salary expectations required)
Required Degree: PhD (Isotope Geochemistry, Geosciences, Materials Science, or related discipline)

Research Area

Isotope Analysis
Archaeometallurgy
Provenance Determination
Process Analysis
Materials Characterisation
Elemental Analysis
Cultural-Historical Context

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Completed PhD in Isotope Geochemistry, Geosciences, Materials Science, or related field
Experience in isotope and elemental analysis, especially using MC-ICP-MS
Practical experience in a cleanroom laboratory and wet-chemical sample preparation
Expertise in interpreting archaeometric data in a cultural-historical context

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in archaeometallurgy and interdisciplinary research
Knowledge of geology and mineral deposits, particularly ore deposits
Publication experience and involvement in third-party funding acquisition
Project coordination experience

Key Responsibilities

Conduct and further develop isotope analyses (Pb, Cu, Sn, Ag, Sb, Li) for provenance determination and process analysis of archaeological finds
Chemical characterisation of materials using modern analytical techniques (XRF, ICP-OES, (LA-)QICP-MS)
Collaborate with researchers from archaeology, archaeometry, and geosciences
Participate in research projects in archaeometallurgy
Publish research findings in scientific journals and present at conferences
Support in securing third-party funding and implementing independent projects
Project-related reporting