Pozicije – Phd position offer Dendrochronology/Dendroecology

For the project “Medieval woodland and its use in the Schleswig isthmus, Northern Germany” funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the following positions are to be filled for 3 years:

• −  a scientific staff (PhD-position) 50% (TVL 13 1/2)
• −  a technician 50 % (up to TVL 8 1/2)

  In the region of the Schleswiger Landenge (Schleswig isthmus), Northern Germany, in the Early and High Middle Ages huge amounts of timbers were needed for the fortification of the Danewerk/Danevirke, as well as for the proto-urban trading settlement of Haithabu/Hedeby and its successor Schleswig. The need of wood for construction, tools and energy most likely resulted in a change of woodland composition and structure. Information on size and age of trees, the economical use of construction timber, the growing conditions and felling times stored in the tree rings will be used to develop a more profound understanding of the woodland change and the resource usage during the Early- and High medieval times.

  Around 8000 dendrochronologically dated oak timbers from archaeological excavations at the Danewerk/Danevirke, in Haithabu/Hedeby and in Schleswig form the base of this project. The oldest timbers come from trees which germinated in the 5th century AD, the youngest were felled in the 14th century. Tree ring patterns will be analysed for questions of woodland structure and change, as well as management issues. Besides wood charcoal from an excavated house in Haithabu will be analysed as an example for the consumption of wood.

  The project is based on three institutional columns in Northern Germany: Archäologisches Landesmuseum of the Stiftung Schleswig-Holsteinische Landesmuseen Schloss Gottorf in Schleswig (Archaeology, coordination), Institute for Ecosystem Research University of Kiel (Palaeobotany and Dendroecology) and Thünen Institute of Wood Research Hamburg (Dendrochronology). Thus, project workers are expected to work well in a team, and to spend working time at the three locations as well as with project collaborators within and outside Germany.

  Job description Scientific Staff

  A PhD position (Scientific staff position TVL13, 50%) is available at the Christian- Albrechts-University of Kiel, Institute for Ecosystem Research for three years, starting March 1st 2014.
  The task within the project is the dendrotypological grouping of dendrochronologically dated timber from Danewerk, Haithabu and Schleswig, the analysis of wood charcoal, the performance of calculations of timber consumption, and the scientific synthesis with finally the publication of results.

  The successful candidate will have a master degree in forestry, biology, ecology, or comparable subjects. An interest in protohistoric research is essential; knowledge of woodland ecology, dendrochronology/dendroecology and vegetation history is desirable. Knowledge of English language for communication and writing manuscripts is essential. Prior to the 3-year position, a paid 3-month work placement at the dendrochronology lab in Zurich is part of the project work. He/she will be a flexibel, independent worker with a high capability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

Please send – until the 15th of September 2013 – your written application preferably as