Lithic Use-Wear Analysis in Mesoamerica M/F

CNRS, France

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: Paris 04, LE DE FRANCE
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 08 Jul 2026

18 Jun 2026
Job Information
Organisation/Company

CNRS
Department

Archéologie des Ameriques
Research Field

History
Anthropology
Environmental science
Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
Application Deadline

8 Jul 2026 - 23:59 (UTC)
Country

France
Type of Contract

Temporary
Job Status

Full-time
Hours Per Week

35
Offer Starting Date

1 Sep 2026
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The candidate, who holds a Ph.D. in archaeology, will analyze collections of stone artifacts from Maya ritual deposits, particularly those from the Kaminaljuyú site (Guatemala; 1200 BCE–900 CE). The candidate will conduct a functional analysis to reconstruct the gestures and activities that preceded the deposition of these objects, thereby shedding light on the ritual dimension of their use. The analyses will incorporate multiple scales of observation and advanced microscopy techniques. The candidate will redefine the concept of the ritual object in Maya culture and offer new perspectives on the dynamic relationship between material practices and symbolic meaning.

- Completion of at least two field trips to Guatemala
- Macroscopic observations followed by sampling of the lithic collections from the Kaminaljuyú site (Guatemala)
- Creation of replicas
- Analysis via metallographic microscopy and SEM
- Comparison with existing experimental frame of references
- Bibliographic research
- Participation in scientific conferences
- Co-organization of an international workshop on use-wear analysis in Mesoamerica
- Outreach and public engagement activities as part of the Kaminaljuyú archaeological project.
- Participation in the 2027 edition of the Fête de la Science
- Publications in English and Spanish in indexed Journals

The candidate will be based at the Malher Center in Paris. A workstation will be provided at UMR 8096 (ArchAm_Archéologie des Amériques), in the room for early-career researchers.
The candidate will have access to the MAPS (Heritage Imaging and Spatialization) platform at MSH Mondes, located in Nanterre, under the supervision of its responsible, Ms. Alexandra Legrand.


Where to apply
Website
https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR8096-VERDAR0-004/Default.aspx

Requirements
Research Field
History
Education Level
PhD or equivalent

Research Field
Anthropology
Education Level
PhD or equivalent

Research Field
Environmental science
Education Level
PhD or equivalent

Languages
FRENCH
Level
Basic

Research Field
History
Years of Research Experience
1 - 4

Research Field
Anthropology
Years of Research Experience
1 - 4

Research Field
Environmental science
Years of Research Experience
1 - 4

Additional Information
Eligibility criteria

- Extensive knowledge of Mesoamerican civilizations and the latest research on Maya culture.
- Proficiency in tools for the use-wear analysis of stone artifacts, particularly those made of obsidian but also flint.
- Proficiency in Spanish and English
- Writing and publication management skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Ability to collaborate with various project partners, while also being able to independently conduct the analysis of collections and ensure their dissemination
- Autonomy in establishing collaborative networks.


Website for additional job details

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR8096-VERDAR0-004/Default.aspx

Work Location(s)
Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
Archéologie des Ameriques
Country
France
City
PARIS 04

Contact
City

PARIS 04

STATUS: EXPIRED

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