Promotion in Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften

We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to date several key archaeological sites in the Philippines.

The primary focus of this role is to apply and develop new sampling and dating techniques on the Holocene record of human arrival on the islands. Archaeological research in Southeast Asia is a focus of ARCHE and there is a need to develop a better understanding of history of land-use in the Philippines.

The Philippines was settled by Negritoes and were joined by Austronesians around 4000 years ago. The cultural landscape of the Philippines is the product of this early development as well as exchanges and later arrivals by sea with peoples from surrounding region. The chronology of much of this history is not well documented, and many archaeological sites potentially may be dated using state-of-the-art techniques. Monuments that may be targeted for dating possibly include burial cairns and the development of stone-edged rice terraces. Techniques include radiocarbon, optically stimulated luminescence, and radionuclides. Training in aspects of dating methods will be provided as part of the student’s postgraduate study. Success in this role requires collaboration with local stakeholders, Indigenous peoples, scientists and archaeologists in the Philippines.

This project will be undertaken through the Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution (ARCHE) with cross supervision from the Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research (GCSCR). ARCHE is a world leader in research and education on all aspects of human evolutionary studies. We provide a dynamic and cooperative research environment that seeks to understand how humans and their societies across the globe evolved over time. We emphasise the study of the biological and cultural evolution of humans and our place in the natural world, with a growing focus on Indigenous peoples of Australia, Asia, and the Pacific. Dr Justine Kemp is an earth scientist who works on modern and past landscape processes, environmental change and human-landscape interactions in deep time. She also manages the optical and radionuclide dating facility at Griffith University.. Dr Andrea Jalandoni is based in GCSCR and is an affiliate member of ARCHE. She has been working on the archaeology of the Philippines for nearly 20 years and is leading the archaeological aspects of this project.

The 2022 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $28,854 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, you will be able to combine laboratory and/or field studies with advanced analytical skills.

Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Policy. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.
You will have evidence of a passion for remote landscapes, archaeology, and cultural history, and be keen to undertake research in multidisciplinary teams.
Candidates identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or Filipinos are particularly encouraged to apply.

All expressions of interest must be submitted to Dr Andrea Jalandoni a.jalandoni@griffith.edu.au and Dr Justine Kemp j.kemp@griffith.edu.au containing:

Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section.
A curriculum vitae (CV)
Research proposal
Names of two referees
The closing date for expressions of interest is: 30 June 2022.

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply on-line.