Job description:
The occurrence of objects, styles and iconographies from the Mediterranean in Central Asia has traditionally been interpreted in terms of the spread of Hellenism (“Hellenisation”). Recent debates within the field, however, have clearly shown the limitations of these views. It is the question to what extent these elements were still understood as being ‘Greek” and what that concept exactly meant from an Asian perspective while the notion of (passive) “spreading” ignores the agency of Asian participants with what is probably better interpreted as a process of (active) appropriation and embedding. Moreover, to properly understand what goes on in terms of socio-cultural dynamics it is imperative not to focus on these Mediterranean objects and styles in their own right but to investigate them as part of the much wider repertoire of non-local objects that societies in Central Asia were confronted with through their participation in long-range exchange networks in this period.
We are looking for a PhD who, within the framework of Globalisation theory, will develop and carry out a research project that has the ambition to rethink the use, function and impact of objects, styles and iconographies from the Mediterranean as integral part of the (material) culture of Central Asia, in terms of the nature and impact of anchoring. How did ancient Globalisation change their world? How did they embed the global diversity they were confronted with? What role did objects, styles and iconographies from the Mediterranean play with that process of anchoring?

Candidates are invited to design a structured PhD proposal (title, research question, scholarly background, aims, method, corpus) around these issues. We kindly ask you to be specific about your methodology as well as the availability of the data you aim to work with. More information about the Anchoring Innovation research agenda of OIKOS can be found on the website (www.anchoringinnovation.nl) and in an article by Ineke Sluiter, entitled “Anchoring Innovation: a Classical Research Agenda” (Anchoring Innovation: A Classical Research Agenda | European Review | Cambridge Core).

Host institution:
Leiden University, Faculty of Archaeology, Classical & Mediterranean Archaeology. The future of the past begins in Leiden. The Faculty of Archaeology is internationally leading in its research, and is home to a broad array of specializations and notable for the strong connection it fosters between teaching and research. Home to over 500 students in the multidisciplinary world of Archaeology, the faculty and its researchers from all areas of the archaeological field determine the future of archaeological research. The Faculty ranks in the top ten worldwide in academic reputation and research impact (https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/archaeology).

Terms and conditions:
PhD project, 4 years (1.0 FTE, 38 hrs per week), starting date to be agreed upon, with a preference for March 1, 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter. Initially the employee will receive a one-year contract, with extension for the following 36 months on condition of a positive evaluation. It is possible to extend the position over 5 years at 0,8 fte. The appointment must lead to the completion of a PhD thesis. Salary range from € 2.434 to € 3.111 gross per month for a fulltime appointment (pay scale for PhDs, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information: http://www.workingat.leiden.edu/.

Tasks of the PhD will include:
- To develop and carry out a research project within the framework described above;
- To present research results at national and international conferences and workshops as required by the project leader (individual and/or co-authored);
- To submit a PhD as research result (and, if appropriate, publications in peer-reviewed journals (individual and/or co-authored));
- To participate in the host institution, the national research school OIKOS, and the wider Anchoring Innovation program.

Requirements:
The project seeks to employ a highly motivated and proactive candidate who will need to work both independently and as part of a larger team.

A successful candidate should preferably have:
- An (RE)MA diploma in (Classical & Mediterranean) Archaeology or (Ancient) History or Classics or another relevant discipline, held by time of appointment, from a well-established university program;
- A study program cq. thesis showing affinity with both Classical/Mediterranean Archaeology and Asian Archaeology;
- Some experience with research on cultural dynamics or globalisation in the ancient world;
- Good oral and written skills in English;
- Strong writing and analytical skills;
- Willingness to engage in collaborative research.

Diversity:
The Anchoring Innovation program is strongly committed to diversity within its team and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Information:
Enquiries about the position can be addressed to Prof. Dr. Miguel John Versluys, m.j.versluys@arch.leidenuniv.nl. Questions about the procedure can be directed to Dr Suzanne van de Liefvoort, anchoring@let.ru.nl.
 
Application:
In order to be considered, applications must include the following information (in the same order), in one PDF file (not zipped):
- Letter of motivation;
- CV, including list of publications and contact information of two referees;
- Transcript of records (i.e. BA and MA grades);
- Your research proposal of 1500 words. Excluded are the bibliography and (if appropriate) an appendix containing a list of sources (together max. two pages A4);
- Copy of relevant diploma;

Please submit your complete application to Dr Suzanne van de Liefvoort, the coordinator of the Anchoring programme, via anchoring@let.ru.nl before November 7, 2021. Interviews will take place on November 17, between 10:00 and 13:00 CET and will possibly be held online.