Background: This project seeks to elucidate an obscure and little understood part of Egyptian history, the so called Hyksos Period and its prelude (c. 1750-1530 BC), during which Egypt was confronted with two unparalleled phenomena: the influx of a substantial foreign population and – probably as a result – the rule of a foreign dynasty over large parts of Egypt. The bioarchaeological components of the project are concerned with the characterization of the Hyksos in comparison with other Egyptian and Near Eastern populations through the study of their skeletal remains. The advertised position will focus particularly on ascertaining aspects of migration and mobility, as well as information on diet and health.
The project will require travel in Europe and Egypt/Near East for sampling and analysis. Liaison and cooperation with other project partners is important. Publication activity and presentation of project results at international conferences is expected.
The ERC Advanced Grant ‘The Hyksos Enigma’, awarded to Professor Manfred Bietak, Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) – Institute for Oriental and European Archaeology (OREA), and co-hosted by Bournemouth University, UK, is offering a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant position under Research Track 7 (Bioarchaeology I – Human Remains). The appointment will be based within the Department of Archaeology, Anthropology, and Forensic Science, in the Faculty of Science and Technology at Bournemouth University.
To collect, analyse and manage research data as specified in the grant
To identify local and non-local individuals in Hyksos-period skeletal assemblages of Egyptian and Near Eastern provenance through the analysis of Strontium and Oxygen isotopes
To investigate patterns of mobility and migration between Egypt and the Near East
To reconstruct dietary patterns and subsistence practices through the analysis of light stable isotope ratios eg. Carbon and Nitrogen
To investigate dietary signatures against skeletal indicators of health and activity
To engage in a contextualised bioarchaeological interpretation of skeletal and isotope data
To play an active role in the publication and presentation of results
To help with the design and implementation of public engagement events, which promote the impact value of the research
To maintain and develop existing network of professionals
To participate in the on-going strategic development of this area of work, including the identification of relevant funding schemes
This post involves research in an internationally respected research group. The intellectual demands are high but should be the rewards of being associated with the front line research.
The purpose of the job description is to indicate the general level of responsibility of the position. The duties may vary from time to time without changing their general character or level of responsibility.
The post holder must always carry out their responsibility with due regard to the University’s Diginity, Diversity and Equality Policy Statement.
All employees have an obligation to be aware of the University’s Environmental Policy, Carbon Management Plan and associated documents, and to ensure that they carry out their day-to-day activities in an environmental responsible manner.
For further information, please contact: Professor Holger Schutkowski on hschutkowski@bournemouth.ac.uk.
Info on the application process can be found at: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/studentships and on the Job Description – attached as a PDF.
Please see the Person Specification enclosed and the Selection Criteria for FST168. Further information on the application process can be found at: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/studentships
https://www1.bournemouth.ac.uk/about/jobs/how-apply/application-process