PRR Project

Summary

NOVA FCSH seeks to expand its academic staff by recruiting an Assistant Researcher in Biological Anthropology with expertise in human remains collections. The selected candidate will develop his/her research agenda as an active member of NOVA FCSH and IN2PAST - Associate Laboratory for Research and Innovation in Heritage, Arts, Sustainability and Territory, a consortium formed by seven research units (CESEM, CHAIA, CRIA, HERCULES, IHA, IHC and LAB2PT - based at NOVA FCSH, University of Évora, University of Minho, ISCTE and University of Coimbra) and of Centre for Research in Anthropology (CRIA).The research areas developed at IN2PAST and CRIA are strongly focused on understanding and addressing contemporary societal challenges through rigorous research, community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. This position will actively contribute to the further development of NOVA FCSH´s strategic line ´Memory and Heritage´, one of the five key areas that will support NOVA FCSH´s educational and research mission until 2030, while also adding value to the teaching and research practices offered at NOVA FCSH, in particular by the Department of Anthropology and CRIA, both of which have identified Biological Anthropology as a differentiating area in their Strategic Development Plans (2022-2030). Recruiting an Assistant Researcher in Biological Anthropology will allow to (1) strengthen the research developed under the strategic line on ´Memory and Heritage´, which is also aligned with the strategic priorities of CRIA (2025-2029) and of IN2Past (2021-2025); (2) support on the achieving international recognition in this field and establishing it further as a reference both at the national and international level; and (3) contribute to teaching and mentoring. The researcher should be actively engaged in addressing pressing societal issues and have a competitive track record that demonstrates his/her ability to work effectively with diverse communities and fora. Excellent communication skills, in particular in English and Portuguese (both written and oral), are essential, as is the ability to work with stakeholders from different sectors. They will be able to articulates socio-cultural and biological Anthropology with issues of ethical curation, restitution and repatriation. Furthermore, the researcher is expected to illustrate how anthropology and anthropologists address issues that go beyond the boundaries of the discipline itself, including perspectives from biology, archaeology and human evolution.  This profile will actively develop efforts to establish meaningful collaborations with academic and non-academic institutions, laying the groundwork for future partnerships and community engagement, thereby contributing to the resolution of pressing contemporary issues by informing public policies. The main responsibilities of the researcher to fulfil NOVA FCSH´s aim of consolidating the field of Biological Anthropology in relation with ´Memory and Heritage´ are to: - Design and conduct research on issues related to ethical curation, restitution and repatriation; - Develop and submit applications for competitive research funding; - Engage with communities and stakeholders to build relationships, gain insight and facilitate dialogue on key issues, using widely established NOVA FCSH and CRIA protocols (local, regional, national and international); - Collaborate and create new interdisciplinary teams within and outside CRIA and IN2PAST to develop innovative solutions and interventions that address societal challenges; - Communicate research findings through various channels, including international peer-reviewed academic journals, reports, presentations and public events; - Teaching and training of postgraduate students; - Supervising postgraduate students by providing mentoring and advice; - Create and design new courses on emerging trends and developments in the field of Biological Anthropology, thereby contributing to the advancement of the discipline through research and leadership.