KU Leuven is a leading European research university located in Leuven, Belgium, consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide. With a rich history dating back to 1425, KU Leuven is renowned for its high-quality education, cutting-edge research, and international academic community. The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at KU Leuven is at the forefront of archaeological science research, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative environment for interdisciplinary exploration. Join us at KU Leuven to be part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to advancing knowledge and shaping the future of science.
Website unit
Project
The laboratory for archaeometry is part of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at KU Leuven, and invites applications for a PhD position in archaeological science, focusing on research related to cobalt ores as a source for blue pigments, a.o. in the form of smalt. This project, funded by the Special Research Fund of KU Leuven offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on archaeological materials analysis under the guidance of prof. Patrick Degryse.
Project Description
The successful candidate will characterize cobalt ores from a geological perspective, compiling a geochemical (incl. elemental and lead isotopic) database of relevant Co ores and pigment sources for the post Medieval European realm. This will provide the necessary distinguishing power between sources. Furthermore, the processing of these ores into pigments (i.e. smalt) will be investigated, assessing its influence on the chemical fingerprint from ore to pigment. The signatures obtained will be applied to provenance smalt sampled from a.o. paintings or paper.
The PhD candidate will be part of a multinational team that is investigating the sources of cobalt and its compounds. This would give the student options for travel to and research with a range of other organisations including other universities and museums. Student supervision is likely to be supplemented by interaction with this wide team of diverse experts.
Responsibilities
- Conducting field work in collecting ore samples (e.g. from Norwegian deposits) and archaeological and art historical materials (e.g. from museum collections),
- Characterize the mineralogical and geochemical composition of the ores sampled,
- Develop and use analytical protocols for the aforementioned analyses using SEM-EDX, LA-ICP-MS and MC-ICP-MS amongst other methods
- Synthesising results and using valid statistical approaches to draw new scientific and art historical conclusions about the production and distribution of Norwegian cobalt.
Profile
- Master's degree (or equivalent) in Geology, Earth Sciences, Archaeological Sciences, or equivalent,
- Experience in inorganic archaeological materials analysis,
- Proficiency in analytical techniques such as ICP-MS or electron microscopy is a bonus,
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a passion for archaeology.
Offer
We offer a fully funded 3 year PhD position (possibly extendable to 4 years).
- Position: PhD Researcher
- Duration: initially 3 years.
- Salary: Competitive salary in accordance with KU Leuven's doctoral salary scale.
- Start Date: Flexible, preferably early 2025.
https://ees.kuleuven.be/en/geology
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Patrick Degryse, tel.: +32 16 32 64 60, mail: patrick.degryse@kuleuven.be.
Interested candidates should submit a single PDF file containing a cover letter outlining their research interests and relevant experience, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and contact information for three references.
Please apply through the vacancy website of the KU Leuven. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.