Aarhus University, The Department of Culture and Society in conjunction with the Arctic Research Centre
Postdoc in the Evolution of Cultural Adaptations in the Circumpolar North - 700635
Institution Type: | College / University |
Location: | Denmark |
Position: | Post-Doctoral Fellow |
The Department of Culture and Society in conjunction with the Arctic Research Centre (arctic.au.dk) invites applications for a postdoctoral research position. The appointment is a two-year full-time fellowship and begins on 1 April 2015 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project
There has been a longstanding concern with cross-cultural comparisons of indigenous peoples of the Arctic. These comparisons have been marked by polarised models, emphasising either adaptive or historical mechanisms. Situated at the crossroads between the cultural and biological sciences, this project aims to quantify and hence clarify the relative contributions of these two major forces in shaping human cultures in the circumpolar north.
Human persistence in Arctic environments is often assumed to be in an equilibrium with environmental conditions. Recent evidence from the biogeography of animals and plants is suggesting, however, that the distributions of Arctic species are not in equilibrium with their climatic niche. A key hypothesis of the project is that a similar disequilibrium with regard to human cultures exists. In other words, the cultural diversity of this region may be the result of a disjointed relationship between cultural constellations and environmental forces, most notably climatic conditions.
The position
The project will be embedded in an emerging, dynamic interdisciplinary team interested in the relationship between humans and the Arctic environment. The successful applicant will be responsible for the compilation of ethnographic data from the circumpolar north, characterising the similarities and differences between indigenous Arctic peoples. The database will be used to develop phylogenetic models for the historical relationships amongst indigenous Arctic peoples. Ultimately, these models will be used to evaluate the roles played by cultural (intrinsic) and environmental (extrinsic) factors in Arctic cultural evolution.
Research
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher interested in cultural evolution with excellent quantitative skills, particularly with regard to comparative phylogenetic methods or related techniques. Experience of database design and construction as well as data extraction from ethnographic sources is an advantage. Experience of Arctic anthropology and archaeology will be an asset.
Teaching
The position may involve some teaching as agreed upon with the Department of Culture and Society, the Arctic Research Centre and the project manager.
Knowledge exchange
The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to exchange knowledge with various sectors of society and to contribute actively to the general public debate in areas related to the position.
For more information please contact Professor Rane Willerslev, rawi@aias.au.dk, who is the coordinator of interdisciplinary research at the Arctic Research Centre (ARC); or Associate Professor Felix Riede, f.riede@cas.au.dk, who is the project manager. For information about the Arctic Research Centre, please see arctic.au.dk.
Qualifications
Applicants must have a doctoral degree or equivalent qualifications in a field relevant to the research area described above (e.g. anthropology, archaeology, ethno-history, ecology, evolutionary biology, comparative linguistics).
Applicants must also document:
- An internationally oriented research profile
- A relevant international publication profile
- Advanced skills in quantitative methods (see above)
- Interest in collaborative, interdisciplinary work.
The application must be uploaded in English
For more information about the application and the employment procedure, please contact HR partner, Louise Søndergaard, louises@au.dk.
Department of Culture and Society
The Section for Archaeology is anchored at the Department of Culture and Society, where the object of research and teaching is the interplay between culture and society in time and space:
- From the traditional disciplines of the humanities and theology to applied social research
- From Antiquity to the issues facing contemporary societies
- From familiar Danish cultural forms to other very different worlds
- From local questions to global challenges.
The department’s goal is to produce compelling research with an international resonance, as well as offering teaching and talent development of high quality. The department is closely linked to society, both in Denmark and abroad, and contributes to social innovation, research communication and further and continuing education.
For a more detailed description of the department, please visit this website.
Qualification requirements
Applicants should hold a PhD or equivalent academic qualifications.
Formalities
- Faculty of Arts refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities (the Appointment Order).
- Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.
- Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities .
- Further information on the application and supplementary materials may be found in Applicant Guidelines.
- The application must outline the applicant’s motivation for applying for the position, attaching a curriculum vitae, a teaching portfolio, a complete list of published works, copies of degree certificates and no more than five examples of academic production. Please upload this material electronically along with your application.
All interested are urged to apply irrespective of personal background.
Deadline
All applications must be made online and received by 18 December 2014
Faculty of Arts
The Faculty of Arts is one of four main academic areas at Aarhus University.
The faculty contributes to Aarhus University’s research, talent development, knowledge exchange and degree programmes.
With its 500 academic staff members, 260 PhD students, 12,500 BA and MA students, and 2,500 students following continuing/further education programmes, the faculty constitutes a strong and diverse research and teaching environment.
The Faculty of Arts consists of the Department of Aesthetics and Communication, Department of Culture and Society, Department of Education (DPU), Centre for Teaching Development and Digital Media, and AU Centre for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Each of these units has strong academic environments and forms the basis for interdisciplinary research and education.
The faculty’s academic environments and degree programmes engage in international collaboration and share the common goal of contributing to the development of knowledge, welfare and culture in interaction with society.
Read more at arts.au.dk/en
Aarhus University offers an inspiring education and research environment for 44,500 students and 11,500 members of staff, ensuring results of a high international standard. The budgeted turnover for 2014 amounts to DKK 6.2 billion. The university's strategy and development contract are available at www.au.dk/en.
Contact: |
For more information please contact Professor Rane Willerslev, rawi@aias.au.dk, who is the coordinator of interdisciplinary research at the Arctic Research Centre (ARC); or Associate Professor Felix Riede, f.riede@cas.au.dk, who is the project manager. For information about the Arctic Research Centre, please see arctic.au.dk. For more information about the application and the employment procedure, please contact HR partner, Louise Søndergaard, louises@au.dk. |
Website: | http://cas.au.dk/en/about-the-department/department-profile/ |
Primary Category: | Anthropology |
Secondary Categories: | Archaeology Area Studies |
Posting Date: | 11/24/2014 |
Closing Date | 12/18/2014 |