Missions

The post-doc position is part of the ISEMA project (https://anr.fr/Projet-ANR-23-CE27-0003), funded by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) and led by Dr. Jérôme Ros, of the Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution-Montpellier (ISEM UMR 5554). Through the study of an archaeological corpus (10th-16th centuries) in Mediterranean France and continental and insular Spain, ISEMA aims to document medieval agrosystems (crops, farming practices, agricultural landscapes) and their evolution over time. The aim is to assess how medieval societies developed their agrarian strategies, in relation to changes in the cultural, socio-economic and environmental context, and to determine the role of socio-economic dynamics in the large-scale diffusion of certain agricultural productions.

The post-doc will focus on the palynological study (pollen grains and microfossil-non-pollen (MNP) at high temporal resolution) of archaeological and natural sedimentary samples in Spain. The aim is to reconstruct the components of agrarian systems in historical periods and their evolution, in relation to local socio-cultural dynamics. She/he will work in close collaboration with members of the project team, including palynologists, carpologists, anthracologists and archaeologists.

Activities

- Pollen analysis (pollen grains and NPPs) of samples from archaeological contexts and a continental sediment core.
- Compilation and interpretation of data in relation to regional archaeological and paleoclimatic data.
- Participation in the construction of core age-depth models.
- Participation in coring and other field campaigns in Spain.
- Scientific publication of results and presentations at conferences.
- Participation in discussions and meetings of the ANR ISEMA project.

Skills

- PhD in Environmental Archaeology, Quaternary Palynology, Geosciences or similar disciplines. Desired experience: 1 to 4 years after thesis.
- Expertise in palynology of Mediterranean environments, as well as knowledge of NPP and/or fire reconstructions.
- Experience in palynology in Spain would be an additional asset.
- Expertise in the study of socio-environmental relationships and anthropogenic impacts during the recent Holocene, and in the coupling of paleo-environmental and archaeo-historical data.
- Good command of spoken and written English, and ability to publish in international peer-reviewed journals.
- Ability to work as part of a team, particularly in multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Thoroughness, commitment and autonomy.

Work Context

The position will be based at the Institut de Sciences de l'Evolution in Montpellier (ISEM UMR 5554, CNRS). The researcher will be part of the team “Dynamique de la biodiversité, anthropo-écologie" of the "Paléo-écosystèmes, climat, sociétés” Department and will be under the supervision of Dr Jérôme Ros (ISEM), Dr Ana Ejarque (ISEM), and Dr Odile Peyron (ISEM). The researcher will be employed by the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique on a 12-month contract. The position will involve travel within Spain.

Constraints and risks

None

Additional Information

Funded in the frame of the ANR JCJC project “ISEMA: Framing the Impact of Socio-Economical changes on medieval Mediterranean Agriculture” (PI: J. Ros)