PRR Project

Summary

ICArEHB has grown significant expertise and recognition in environmental reconstruction. Research on human and cultural evolution often involves the understanding of the environments where humans have lived and evolved. The environment and its natural mutations are alternatively presented as constraints that forced cultural and biological adaptations or as the potential reservoir for innovations. This interdependence with the environment is particularly important in prehistoric societies.Paleoenvironmental reconstructions are crossing different disciplines (geosciences, climatology, ecology, archaeology, anthropology), that are often limited by the proxies available and their respective time- and spatial-resolution. For example, the levels of CO2 captured in the Antarctic ice core have a limited inference when studying the changes in the vegetation in regions of Iberia during the Middle to the Upper Paleolithic transition. Reconstructing the local environment on relevant time windows is one of the challenges of modern studies in human evolution. In particular, the adoption of digital technologies such as GIS, Agent-Based Models, and other data-intensive procedures requires high-quality landscape and environmental data in the first place.ICArEHB wants to keep investing in the field of paleoenvironmental reconstruction, in line with the strategic vision of an archaeology that is interdisciplinary, high-resolution, and open; a pole in paleoecology must be perpetuated, with an Assistant Researcher in terrestrial paleoecology, with expertise in zooarchaeological methods.New approaches in paleoecology can rely on zooarchaeological methods and assemblages. These range from the use of the taxonomy and taphonomy, to the proteomic identification of species by mass spectrometry, or the widespread adoption of stable isotope studies. Together, these tools, developed over the past decade, enable the reconstruction of paleoenvironments. Each approach can provide significant improvement in terms of the temporal resolution, spatial scale, or inference of human behavior. Some can also inform site formation processes or dietary habits of the occupants of the archaeological site. It is this expertise and advances in reconstructing paleoclimate at the scale of human behavior that ICArEHB wants to perpetuate and further develop in the future.The individual appointed to this position is anticipated to bring a well-established presence in the international spheres of archaeology, zooarchaeology, and paleoecology. This role demands the oversight and development of innovative projects focused on the high-resolution paleoenvironmental reconstruction of terrestrial ecosystems at a local and regional scale, with a particular interest in the Pleistocene and early Holocene contexts of western Europe and southern Africa. The chairholder is tasked with pioneering new methodologies and approaches in these fields. A critical aspect of this role involves the formation and leadership of a dedicated team aimed at advancing innovative practices, alongside securing applications for third-party funding to support these endeavors.An integral part of the position is the mentorship and supervision of both PhD and Master´s students, fostering an environment of learning and development. While teaching responsibilities are minimal and specifically targeted at the Master´s and PhD levels, the chairholder is expected to significantly contribute to the scientific community. This includes authorship of scientific articles published in interdisciplinary journals, and active participation in outreach initiatives designed to bridge the gap between the scientific work and the public.The chairholder is expected to undertake managerial duties within ICArEHB. This includes co-coordinating the Paleo-Environmental and Diet Laboratory (PaleoED), but also in the leadership of specific research themes, and contributing to the different existing committees, such as outreach, and open science.The ideal candidate for this position will have:An established international reputation, evidenced by a significant publication record in paleo-environmental reconstructions;Demonstrated expertise in zooarchaeological methods, underscoring a deep understanding of using different techniques to reconstruct paleoenvironments at the scale of human behavior;A robust international network, facilitating collaboration and advancement in research projects;A proven track record of applying for and securing third-party funding, highlighting a capability to garner financial support for research projects;Experience in mentoring and supervision, showcasing an ability to guide and develop emerging scholars in the field;A history of organizing workshops and conference sessions, indicating leadership and engagement with the academic community;The capacity to form research consortia and secure research funding, demonstrating skills in collaboration and resource acquisition.