The Faculty of Theology, University of Copenhagen, in affiliation with the UCPH School of Archaeology, seeks applications for a three-year postdoctoral associate position, as a team member within the research project, “Materiality of Incarceration in Mediterranean Antiquity” (MIMA), funded by the Carlsberg Foundation (the Semper Ardens: Accelerate program; PI: Matthew Larsen). The position is available from 1 September 2023.
Further information on the faculty is linked at: teol.ku.dk/english/
Project description MIMA will establish a research group of ancient historians, archaeologists, and digital humanities experts at the University of Copenhagen to answer two questions: what did prisons look like and what was it like to experience incarceration in the ancient Mediterranean world? MIMA's objective, then, is to study the materiality and archaeology of carceral practices and carceral geographies in the Mediterranean world from the 6th century BCE to the 6th century CE. The project will survey ancient prisons and sites of incarceration, producing high-resolution 3D models of each site through use of drones, ground and aerial imagery, laser scanning, and photogrammetry. With such survey and 3D models, MIMA will then study the different types and patterns of public prisons and other sites of incarceration. With a careful study of the archaeological remains of prisons and places, the project will then synthesize the results with a database of several hundred other material objects related to incarceration (paintings, statues, inscriptions, graffiti, etc.). MIMA will apply the material history of incarceration to our broader understanding of the human past. The project will share its results not only through an international, interdisciplinary conference and scholarly publications, but also through a public website showcasing interactive 3D models of dozens of ancient prisons. The project includes a principal investigator (PI), a postdoc, a PhD student, and a visiting professor.
More information about the project and its funding can be found here: www. carlsbergfondet.dk/da/Forskningsaktiviteter/Bevillingsstatistik/Bevillingsoversigt/CF220748Matthew- Larsen
Job description An ideal candidate will be a highly talented researcher, with expertise in study of the material culture of societies of the ancient Mediterranean basin, with a proven track record of research and publication, who ideally comes with a background in some combination archaeology, 3D modeling technologies, and expertise in (or demonstrable interest in studying) incarceration in contexts of the ancient Mediterranean basin.
The project has four work packages, and the postdoctoral associate will be directly responsible for work package 1 and will collaborate with the PI (Matthew Larsen) and a PhD student on work package 2.
Work package 1 (WP1) Digital Archaeology: MIMA will use photogrammetric technology to produce and publish 3D models of 25–40 sites of incarceration based on archaeological survey of sites.
Work package 2 (WP2) Archaeological Typology. MIMA will develop a rudimentary typology of ancient prisons through archaeological survey and 3D modeling (WP1) as well as archival research of previous excavations. Key analytical categories will be size, location, number of rooms, security technologies, construction technique, relationship to other buildings, and type and availability of sanitation facilities.
Along with the PI and PhD student, the postdoctoral associate will be involved in research travel to survey and document archaeology sites of ancient incarceration in the Mediterranean. The postdoctoral associate will participate in monthly team meetings, a series of symposia, and an international conference. They will also teach at UCPH, two courses over the six semesters of the position, and participate in activities of the UCPH School of Archaeology.
In addition to competitive salary, computer, and office space, MIMA has funding to provide the postdoctoral associate with ample travel research funding for archaeological survey and site documentation and the necessary equipment for digital archaeology.
Qualifications requirements To be considered, applicants must have a PhD degree in a field engaged in in the study of the archaeology and/or history of the ancient Mediterranean basin (e.g. archaeology, ancient history, classics, biblical studies, or other related fields), especially with a proven track record in digital archaeology. Previous experience in carceral studies will be considered an advantage. In the overall assessment, emphasis will be placed on the applicant's research potential, including the ambition to develop new research ideas and the interest in working with other researchers. All applicants are expected to be able to use English as a working language (written and spoken).
Further information on qualification requirements as postdoc can be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities 2019 here: MinisterialOrderno.1443of11December2019onJobStructureforAcademicStaffatUniversities.pdf (ku.dk)
For further information, please contact Principal Investigator Matthew Larsen, [email protected]
Terms of employment Terms of appointment and salary will be in accordance with an agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). The salary range starts at DKK 35.700 + a 17,1 % contribution to the pension scheme. It is possible to negotiate salary supplements on an annual basis.
If you consider applying from abroad, you may find useful information on how it is to work in Denmark and at UCPH: ism.ku.dk and https:// nyidanmark.dk/en-GB and www. workindenmark.dk/
Application The application can be submitted in Danish or English.
The application must be accompanied by the following appendices in PDF format:
Appointment procedure After the application deadline, the Head of the Department selects applicants for assessment on the advice of an appointment committee. All applicants are notified whether their application has been accepted for assessment. The Dean subsequently appoints an expert assessment committee tasked with carrying out an assessment of the selected applicants for the specific post. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee. Applicants are ultimately offered the opportunity of commenting on the part of the assessment relating to themselves before the appointment is finalized.
You can read about the recruitment process at employment.ku.dk
Further information about the application procedure is available from HR, e-mail: [email protected] Please refer to ID number 211-1351/23-2I
The closing date for applications is15 March 2023 23:59 CET Applications or supplementary material received thereafter will not be considered.
Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe's top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organization – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.
Application deadline: 15 March 2023 Employment start: 1 September 2023 Department/Location: The Faculty of Theology, Karen Blixens Plads 16, 2300 København S.