PRR Project

Summary

We are seeking an assistant professor specializing in Biological Anthropology. The ideal candidate will demonstrate teaching and research proficiency in the fields of biological anthropology, human bioarcheology, paleopathology, human osteology and forensic anthropology, particularly regarding the study of human skeletal remains in archeological and forensic contexts.Engage in collaborative interdisciplinary research aimed at understanding the biological and sociocultural characteristics of ancient populations, as well as studying disease and health in historical contexts, while also contributing to the advancement of anthropological methodologies for assessing the biological profile and disease diagnosis in paleopathology.Become involved in research with significant potential for both national and international impact, thereby contributing to the advancement of scholarly research in the fields of biological and forensic anthropology, bioarcheology, human osteology and paleopathology.Deep involvement in teaching / pedagogical tasks in undergraduate and postgraduate courses related with biological and forensic anthropology, bioarcheology, human osteology and paleopathology, suggesting the creation of new curricular units, as well as developing and guiding research projects for students at distinct graduation levels.Supervision of postgraduate research students, guiding and managing their scholarly and investigation activities.Meet management and administrative obligations necessary for the efficient operation at the academic department and research centre.Raise awareness within society about research and/or teaching activities, multiplying efforts to disseminate scientific research to diverse audiences - in the bounds of academia and the society at large. Profile :PhD in Biological Anthropology, with a specialization in bioarcheology or paleopathology.Recognized skills in the areas of human bioarchaeology, paleopathology, and forensic anthropology, notably regarding metabolic, infectious, and neoplastic diseases, traumatic injuries, human skeletal anatomy and paleodemography, as well as in the development of methods for estimating parameters of the biological profile.Research experience with samples of human skeletal remains in archaeological contexts and reference osteological collections, or samples from historical archives, as well as research through innovative experiments leveraging the technological potential of online applications, machine learning, or medical imaging.Record of relevant publications displaying a significant contribution to the knowledge in the specified domains.Capability to collaborate successfully within interdisciplinary / multidisciplinary research teams and contribute to original research programmes.Experience in teaching and supervision of students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the specified fields, particularly those that are congruent with the pedagogical / educational offerings of the Departamento de Ciências da Vida (DCV) at the Universidade de Coimbra. Rationale:Teaching and research in the field of Anthropology at the DCV is thoroughly integrated, with a primary focus on research and educational offerings in the domains of Biological Anthropology, Bioarchaeology, Paleopathology, and Forensic Anthropology. The Bachelor´s degree in Anthropology, Master´s degrees in Human Biology and Evolution, and Forensic Anthropology, and the Doctorate in Anthropology (branches of Biological Anthropology and Forensic Anthropology), as well as a plethora of curricular course units within these domains, require the addition to the faculty of teachers capable of adding new pedagogical skills, research innovation, and resources to attract and retain students at different levels of academic training, as well as a strong proclivity for scientific research in key domains of Biological Anthropology, Forensic Anthropology, Bioarchaeology, and Paleopathology. Epidemic or pandemic events are not unprecedented, and the identification and interpretation of the tangible causes and consequences of infectious diseases over time opens new perspectives for understanding present epidemics and pandemics and for probabilistically predicting them in the future. Also, it is important to contribute to the resolution of various technical problems related to the estimation of the biological profile, especially in bioarcheological and forensic contexts, contributing to the identification of anonymous individuals and the upholding of justice.