The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) invites applications for a research position investigating Maya ritual artefacts through lithic use-wear analysis. The position contributes to research in Maya and Mesoamerican archaeology and will be based within the Archéologie des Amériques (ArchAm) Research Unit (UMR 8096), Paris. Applications close on 8 July 2026.
The position focuses on stone artefacts recovered from ritual deposits at Kaminaljuyú, Guatemala, dating between 1200 BCE and 900 CE. Through functional archaeology and advanced microscopy techniques, the researcher will investigate how these objects were used before deposition and explore their significance within Maya ritual practices and material culture.
Building upon this research framework, the successful candidate will conduct fieldwork, analyse archaeological collections, create experimental replicas, and compare findings with established reference collections. The project incorporates lithic analysis, obsidian studies, flint artefact research, and microscopy-based investigations designed to reconstruct activities associated with ritual object use.
Alongside analytical responsibilities, the role includes conference participation, scholarly publication, collaborative research activities, and public engagement initiatives. The researcher will also contribute to an international workshop on Mesoamerican archaeology while disseminating research findings through indexed journals in English and Spanish.
Research Position Details
- Position: Researcher – Lithic Use-Wear Analysis of Maya Ritual Artefacts
- Institution: CNRS, France
- Research Unit: Archéologie des Amériques (UMR 8096)
- Research Disciplines: Archaeology, Anthropology, History, Environmental Science
- Location: Paris, France
- Job Type: Research Position
- Contract Duration: Temporary Contract
- Start Date: September 2026
- Working Hours: 35 Hours per Week
- Salary/Funding: Funded Research Position
- Required Qualification: PhD or Equivalent
Research Areas
The successful candidate will contribute to research in the following areas:
- Maya and Mesoamerican Archaeology
- Lithic Use-Wear Analysis and Functional Archaeology
- Obsidian and Flint Artefact Studies
- Ritual Deposits and Material Culture Research
- Archaeological Microscopy and Heritage Science
Eligibility Criteria and Required Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- PhD or equivalent qualification in Archaeology or a relevant discipline.
- Extensive knowledge of Mesoamerican civilisations and current Maya archaeology research.
- Demonstrated expertise in lithic use-wear analysis of obsidian and flint artefacts.
- Proficiency in English and Spanish.
- Basic knowledge of French.
- Experience preparing academic publications and managing scholarly outputs.
- Ability to work effectively within collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments.
- Capacity to conduct independent research while maintaining project partnerships.
- Strong organisational, communication, and networking skills.
- Ability to establish and sustain professional research collaborations.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct at least two research visits to Guatemala during the project period.
- Perform macroscopic observation and sampling of lithic collections from Kaminaljuyú.
- Create experimental replicas for comparative archaeological analysis.
- Undertake metallographic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy investigations.
- Compare analytical results with established experimental reference collections.
- Publish research findings and present results at scientific conferences.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the official CNRS recruitment system before the stated deadline. Candidates should ensure that all supporting documentation is complete before submission.
Required documents include:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- PhD Certificate or Equivalent Qualification
- List of Publications
- Supporting Academic Documents
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 18 June 2026
- Application Deadline: 8 July 2026, 23:59 UTC
- Interview Period: Not Specified
- Expected Start Date: September 2026
Eligible candidates should submit applications through the official CNRS recruitment portal before 8 July 2026. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
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Institutional Overview
The Archéologie des Amériques – Archaeology of the Americas (ArchAm) Research Unit (UMR 8096) at CNRS conducts archaeological research focused on the diverse cultures and societies of the Americas. The unit supports interdisciplinary investigations spanning Maya archaeology, Mesoamerican archaeology, material culture studies, lithic analysis, heritage research, and archaeological science. Researchers work within a collaborative academic environment that integrates fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and theoretical approaches to understanding past human behaviour. Through access to specialised facilities and advanced analytical resources, the research unit contributes to the development of innovative methods for studying archaeological evidence and expanding knowledge of the ancient Americas.
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