Postdoctoral Associate in Roman Archaeology

We are accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position in the Department of Classical Studies at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada to work with Dr. Elizabeth Greene and the Vindolanda Archaeological Leather Project (VALP). The duration of the postdoctoral position will be two years. A PhD is required to take up the post in August 2023 and must have been completed within the past three years (PhD awarded May 2020 or later). The appointment involves full-time scholarship and research at Western in London, Ontario. The ideal candidate will have research interests and experience in the related subjects of the VALP project, described below. The salary for this position is $45,000 (CAD) per year. Funding for other research endeavors such as conference travel is also included and supported by the post.

The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Elizabeth Greene on the VALP project and should have a research focus in Roman provincial archaeology. The VALP project has many different facets including documenting and databasing the assemblage of leather objects from Roman Vindolanda, thoroughly analyzing archaeological footwear and leather from many perspectives, and finding new and innovative approaches to the assemblage. The ideal candidate will fulfill at least one of the research goals of the project, which may include (among others): demographic studies, issues surrounding Roman technology and manufacturing, leather technologies, representation of self and others, clothing and dress in the Roman world, or issues surrounding health, movement, and mobility from shoes. The successful candidate will be expected to work with Dr. Greene and other team members (partners in the UK, Western Graduate Research Assistants, Undergraduate team members) on the on-going research goals and academic publication of the project. The candidate will also take part in the day-to-day work of the project, which currently includes database building and digital data organization, as well as public-facing scholarship like website maintenance, blog entries, and public presentations. The successful candidate will be encouraged to discover and pursue their own interests in the VALP project and to publish both independently and cooperatively with Dr. Greene and the research team (details of permissions to work with specific materials will be discussed during the hiring process). The position will also include travel to the project site at Vindolanda (Hadrian’s Wall in northern England) when necessary for the project goals. To read more about the VALP project please visit: https://www.vindolandaarchleather.com/

The position also includes teaching in the Classical Studies department in the second year of the post (2024-25) in Roman Archaeology. The ideal candidate should demonstrate teaching experience and will be ready to discuss potential courses to offer in the department (for current course calendar please see: https://www.uwo.ca/classics/undergraduate/courses/index.html). They should also have excellent writing skills, communication and presentation skills, and some experience with public-facing media.

The University of Western Ontario offers excellent supports to postdoctoral scholars through the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, encouraging mentorship, training, services, and social events to ensure success. For more information, see www.grad.uwo.ca/postdoctoral_services and the Postdoctoral Association at Western https://www.postdocs.uwo.ca/. To learn about benefits for Postdoctoral Associates: https://www.uwo.ca/hr/benefits/your_benefits/pda/index.html

We invite applications from all qualified individuals. VALP and Western are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from women, members of racialized groups, equity deserving groups, visible minorities in Canada, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

To apply, please submit by May 15th, 2023 a single PDF document that includes: 1) a cover letter with a brief statement of relevant research/teaching interests and experience; 2) full curriculum vitae; 3) a 1-page statement of how you might contribute to the VALP project; 4) names and contact details (email) of 3 referees we may contact. Please submit applications and inquiries by email to: Dr. Elizabeth Greene, egreene2@uwo.ca.