Lithic Use-Wear Analysis in Mesoamerica M/F

Job Description

Missions

The candidate, who holds a Ph.D. in archaeology, will analyze collections of stone artifacts from Maya ritual deposits, particularly those from the Kaminaljuyú site (Guatemala; 1200 BCE–900 CE). The candidate will conduct a functional analysis to reconstruct the gestures and activities that preceded the deposition of these objects, thereby shedding light on the ritual dimension of their use. The analyses will incorporate multiple scales of observation and advanced microscopy techniques. The candidate will redefine the concept of the ritual object in Maya culture and offer new perspectives on the dynamic relationship between material practices and symbolic meaning.

Activity

- Completion of at least two field trips to Guatemala
- Macroscopic observations followed by sampling of the lithic collections from the Kaminaljuyú site (Guatemala)
- Creation of replicas
- Analysis via metallographic microscopy and SEM
- Comparison with existing experimental frame of references
- Bibliographic research
- Participation in scientific conferences
- Co-organization of an international workshop on use-wear analysis in Mesoamerica
- Outreach and public engagement activities as part of the Kaminaljuyú archaeological project.
- Participation in the 2027 edition of the Fête de la Science
- Publications in English and Spanish in indexed Journals

Your Profil

Skills

- Extensive knowledge of Mesoamerican civilizations and the latest research on Maya culture.
- Proficiency in tools for the use-wear analysis of stone artifacts, particularly those made of obsidian but also flint.
- Proficiency in Spanish and English
- Writing and publication management skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Ability to collaborate with various project partners, while also being able to independently conduct the analysis of collections and ensure their dissemination
- Autonomy in establishing collaborative networks.

Your Work Environment

The candidate will be based at the Malher Center in Paris. A workstation will be provided at UMR 8096 (ArchAm_Archéologie des Amériques), in the room for early-career researchers.
The candidate will have access to the MAPS (Heritage Imaging and Spatialization) platform at MSH Mondes, located in Nanterre, under the supervision of its responsible, Ms. Alexandra Legrand.

Constraints and risks

Not applicable

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

between €2,132 and €4,808 gross, depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions