In the NWO-funded research project “Finding resolution for the Middle to Later Stone Age transition” we aim to characterize the now very poorly understood Middle to Later stone transition in southern Africa (~40.000 – 20.000 years ago). Through renewed excavations at Umhlatuzana rockshelter and an in-depth analysis of the stratigraphy, taphonomy and environmental circumstances we are documenting the context of this transition in great detail. The next stage of the project is to document the changes in technological behaviour that make up this transition. To this end the lithic assemblages of the site will be analysed. During the excavation all materials >2cm were piece-plotted. The assemblages to be analysed consist of ~4800 knapped artefacts in multiple raw materials, including quartz and hornfels (flint is not represented at the site).

As the project’s lithic specialist you are responsible for the technological analysis of the Umhlatuzana lithic assemblages to help define the Middle to Later Stone transition. Key in this project is to study the assemblage from technological, typological, attribute, provenance and chaîne opératoire perspectives.

Key responsibilities
The candidate’s key responsibilities include:

• Database design and management for lithic assemblages;
• Raw material identification;
• Attribute analysis of stone tools in different raw materials;
• Integrate the results in wider models of human technological development;
• Integrate results with newly collected excavation data;
• Writing/preparation for at least two scientific publications; presentations at conferences; input follow-up projects.

• PhD in archaeology, with a focus on stone tool technology;
• Demonstrable experience in database design and management;
• Knowledge of relevant statistical techniques and programs, e.g. principal component analysis;
• Excellent command of the English language;
• Collaborative spirit.

Desirable qualities include:

• Affinity with geochemical characterization of lithic materials;
• Knowledge of southern African Pleistocene archaeology.

We offer a full-time position for one year, with the possibility of a six-month extension. Salary range from € 2.790,- to € 5.127,- gross per month, depending on qualifications and experience (scale 10 to 11 in accordance with the collective salary agreement of the Association of Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Universiteit Leiden

The Faculty of Archaeology is an international faculty in the multidisciplinary world of Archaeology and is home to 500 students. The Faculty is remarkable for its global diversity and the strong connection it fosters between teaching and research. It is here that researchers from all areas of the field work to determine the future of archaeological research: the future of the past begins in Leiden.