The DFG Research Training Group 1878 (RTG 1878) of the Universities of Cologne and Bonn on the topic of “Archaeology of Pre-Modern Economies” invites applications for two postdoctoral posts (Research Associates) to begin on January 1st, 2017 and April 1st, 2017. The posts are limited to March 31st, 2018 with the option to extend for up to max. 3 years.

The RTG studies economic systems and economic spaces of pre-modern societies in terms of their structure, efficiency and dynamics (genesis, transformation processes through to a potential dissolution) as well as to analyse them in interaction with their respective physical geographical, political, societal, religious and cultural conditions. Dissertations will be focussed along three broad lines of research, ‘Economic Networks’, ‘Settlement Centres and Their Environs’ and ‘Religious Institutions as Economic Units’.

The applicant should have a background in one of the relevant subjects or related disciplines: Pre- and Early History, Egyptology, Classical Archaeology, Archaeology of the Roman Provinces, Christian Archaeology, Byzantine Studies, Precolumbian Studies, Ancient History, Ethnology, Historical Geography.

The RTG language is German. Language lessons can be taken free of charge if required.

The post implies the opportunity to conduct research in own projects (eg comparative research, comprehensive models of synchronous economic systems or of intercultural contacts). In cooperation with the IPs the postdoc coordinates the work of the doctoral candidates on their dissertation topics (from several disciplines), especially with regard to the aspect of cultural comparison. The postdoc should actively participate in the activities of the Research Training Group, especially workshops and international colloquia.

The postdoctoral candidate (m/f) will be employed at the University of Cologne/University of Bonn. Willingness to move to the Cologne/Bonn region is expected.