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Experimental Archaeology Research Associate for the Archaeobark project (temporary position at 40%, start date 1.4.2025 and limited to 18 months)

Description
The Research Associate will conduct experimental archaeology research about reconstructing the necessary production steps for Linden bark vessels from the Linear Pottery and the Bronze Age periods. The work includes testing different tools and types of barks with the aim of clarifying the qualitative choices for bark selection and the possible function. It will include collaborating with the archaeologists who analyse the bark vessels, the restorers who analyse the condition and the decomposition and the dendrologists for harvesting fresh bark. The associate will participate in the group meetings and conduct workshops for the team members to share the knowledge acquired from the research. Under the supervision of the project’s lead researcher, the associate will collaborate with the team members in the documentation, research, and publication of the project.

This is 40% position starting on the 1.4.2025, lasting 18 months

Responsibilities
  1. Collaborate with the archaeologist who analyses the bark containers
  2. Reconstruct the necessary production steps for bark containers
  3. Collect and document contemporary reference samples of different barks according to project standards
  4. Test and document the use of different types of barks and tools
  5. Organize workshops for the team members to perform production steps
  6. Participate in writing scientific articles/presentations for conferences
  7. Contribute to the project’s website and social media presenceComply with the BFH requirements for researchers (personal profile, publications in ARBOR, communication)

Requirements and qualifications
  • Master’s degree in conservation-restoration or archaeology or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 2 years professional experience reconstructing archaeological objects
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, with own tools and workshop
  • Previous work experience with plant materials
  • Very good English or German
  • Demonstrated ability to develop archaeological reconstructions
  • Willingness to acquire knowledge about theories and methods of experimental archaeology
  • Ability to collaborate interdisciplinary and with other team members
  • Willingness to communicate the acquired knowledge with the team members through hands-on workshops
  • Excellent ability to write reports and present information effectively


Compensation
Pay: 35’000- 37'000 CHF annual

Application instructions

To apply, please visit this link . 

We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.





The research project Archaeobark: Identification, Conservation and Significance of Prehistoric Bark Vessels is a project of the Institut Materialität in Kunst und Kultur (IMIKUK) of the Bern Academy of the Arts (HKB) in cooperation with the Archaeological Services of the Canton Bern (ADB), Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie (LEIZA), Landesamt für Denkmalpflege Baden-Württenberg, (LfD), Landesamt für Archäologie Sachsen (LfA) and Leipzig University. It is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the German Research Foundation (DFG).