Archaeological Materials Laboratory Assistant (ref. no. STARC_LA_22_03)

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Job Type: PartTime
Deadline: 10 Jun 2022

The Cyprus Institute (CyI) is a European, non-profit, Science and Technology oriented Educational and Research Institution based in Cyprus, and led by an acclaimed Board of Trustees. The research agenda of the CyI is pursued at its four Research Centres: The Computation-based Science and Technology Research Centre (CaSToRC), the Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Centre (STARC), the Energy Environment Water Research Centre (EEWRC), and the Climate and Atmosphere Research Centre (CARE-C). Considerable cross-centre interaction is a characteristic of the Institute’s research culture.

The Cyprus Institute invites applications for a highly motivated professional to join the Institute as Archaeological Materials Laboratory Assistant at STARC. STARC is devoted to the development, introduction and use of advanced science and technologies in the field of archaeology, cultural heritage, and history of Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean region. At STARC, research scientists and doctoral students, often in partnership with colleagues from other national or international research organizations, employ diverse and multidisciplinary methods of physical and chemical characterisation for the study of material culture.

The successful candidate will support archaeological sample preparation for chemical, mineralogical, and microstructural analyses, with emphasis on the preparation of ceramic samples into polished blocks and thin sections, and routine analysis and sample documentation using instrumental analysis methods (OM, SEM-EDS, hhXRF).

The Laboratory Assistant will be supporting laboratory and research staff with the primary goal of efficient lab procedures and producing consistent results, both from sample preparation and from instrumental analysis. The Laboratory Assistant will need to be thorough when carrying out their duties, successfully maintain records of laboratory processes and equipment, and generate reliable reports. On-the-job training will be provided at the beginning of employment.

The rank of the position will depend on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The appointment will be on a part-time basis for an initial period of 12 months with the possibility of renewal, depending on performance and availability of funds.

Responsibilities/activities to be involved in:

  • Collecting, receiving, labelling, documenting and registering samples or substances;
  • Sample preparation, with emphasis on ceramic thin sections and metal, slags, ceramics, and glass polished blocks;
  • Supporting research activities, including museum and fieldwork, sample analysis and documentation by OM, SEM-EDS and hhXRF, and data collection;
  • Recording all experimental data and test results accurately and in the specified format (written and/or electronic);
  • Ensuring that safety guidelines are adhered to at all times within the laboratory;
  • Maintaining daily logs and equipment record books;
  • Cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining laboratory equipment;
  • Providing other technical support, when necessary


  • Similar Positions