ANEE studies how changing imperial dynamics impact social group identities and lifeways during the first millennium BCE? We are a cross-disciplinary team – almost 40 scholars and students from fields such as History, Social Sciences, Archaeology, Anthropology, Heritage studies, Assyriology and Computer Sciences are working together to understand the long-term processes taking place in the societies over the thousand-year period.
ANEE is divided into three teams, each with a different approach and set of methodologies. One team utilizes the methods of language technology for digital analysis of linguistic corpora and social network analysis, and another tests and refines theoretical models from the social sciences for ancient evidence.
The third team, “Material Culture and Community Heritage,” focuses on archaeological research and material culture on the fringes of the empires. In relation to this, this team will also start an archaeological field survey and community archaeology project in northern Jordan in extensive collaboration with local archaeologists and communities. The team also coordinates the development of a traveling museum exhibition in Finland on the ancient Near East, in collaboration with the National Museum of Finland. The MSCA fellow will become a member of this team.
To facilitate cross-team collaboration and stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue, ANEE organizes workshops and lectures, encourages joint writing projects and supports participation in international conferences. Peer support is always available for research planning, articles and applications. Informal social activities include weekly brownbag lunches, excursions and get-togethers.
Who we seek:
A postdoctoral scholar with expertise in the archaeology of the first millennium BCE Near East. Applications are encouraged by scholars working on topics related to rural life under empires and the role of marginal areas within imperial dynamics. Applications from scholars wishing to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries, such as Archaeology, Anthropology, Heritage studies, Museum studies, and Assyriology, are particularly encouraged.
To be eligible for MSCA IF the candidate must have completed a doctorate or at least 4 years of full-time research experience after their graduation, and have generally not resided or carried out their main activity in the country of the host institution for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the call deadline.
Working at the University of Helsinki:
Established in 1640, the University of Helsinki today has over 30000 students and almost 4500 researchers and teachers working and studying in 11 faculties and four campuses. In the prominent rankings, the University of Helsinki consistently places among the top 1%. Equality, diversity, accessibility and low hierarchy work culture are all important values of the university community. Nearly 1/3 of postdoctoral researchers come from abroad.
The premises of ANEE are located in the central campus, in the very heart of Helsinki. The city operates an extensive and frequent public transport network.
Finland is a Nordic welfare state and regularly ranks in the top ten countries in terms of safety, equality, stability, happiness, quality of education and family wellbeing among others. Working in Finland, the MSCA fellow will have access to the public services, including top-quality healthcare, free education for children and youth, and subsidized daycare system. University of Helsinki also offers various benefits to all employees, including pension scheme, occupational health services, work-related travel insurance, sports facilities, and courses for developing new skills for the career.
How to apply:
Send your CV, motivation letter (1-2 pages) and summary of your research plan (1 page) to paivi.miettunen@helsinki.fi by May 10 2020. Some candidates may be invited to an online interview in the end of May. The final decision will be made by June 5 2020 at the latest.
The candidate and the host organization will jointly work on submitting the MSCA IF –application. This application period closes on September 9 2020. Decisions will be announced in February 2021, after which the selected candidates can start their fellowship (at the latest by Sept. 2022).
The MSCA fellowship is a 100% funded full-time position with 12-24 months’ salary of 4,880€ per month gross, 600€ mobility allowance and (if applicable) 500€ family allowance. If you have any questions about this hosting offer, please email paivi.miettunen@helsinki.fi or antti.lahelma@helsinki.fi.