The Center for Digital Antiquity (CDA) at Arizona State University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for an anticipated 18-month appointment. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, fiscal-year appointment with an anticipated start date in January 2022. In collaboration with CDA researchers, the successful applicant will work on the Comparative Digital Archaeological Studies sponsored by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).  The postdoctoral researcher will work with DPAA materials to explore how the management and organization of archaeological data can enhance the recovery of missing service personnel.  The position will develop and execute a collaborative research project that will increase the applied and scholarly impact of the DPAAs datasets, by leveraging the unique capabilities of tDAR (the Digital Archaeological Record; www.tdar.org). The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to work with the DPAA to create project deliverables and publish the results of this research in appropriate venues. The postdoctoral position is scheduled to be in effect for a total of 18 months given that the candidate has satisfactory performance, there are funds available and based on University needs.  The annual salary for this position is $50,500 per year. The associate does not need to be in residence in Tempe, Arizona during the appointment, but is preferred.

As currently conceived, the project will develop computation models to assess landscapes in regions of interest by aggregating existing hard-copy data from DPAA reports, along with freely available spatial gridded environmental data.  Using known recovery locations of missing service personnel contained in existing reports, archaeological data, and a suite of environmental data, the project seeks to understand where other missing service personnel are likely, or not, to be recovered in the future. 

The Center for Digital Antiquity (CDA) at Arizona State University is a multi-institutional organization dedicated to ensuring the long-term preservation of irreplaceable archaeological data and to broadening access to these data. Our mission is to extend our knowledge of the human past and improve the management of our cultural heritage by permanently preserving digital archaeological data and supporting their discovery, access, and reuse. As part of fulfilling these goals, CDA oversees the use, development, and maintenance of the Digital Archaeological Record (tDAR), an international repository for the digital records of archaeological investigations, organizations, projects, and research. One of CDA’s key objectives is to foster the use of tDAR and ensure its financial, technical, and professional sustainability. Use of tDAR has the potential to transform archaeological research by providing direct access to digital data from current and historic investigations along with powerful tools to analyze and reuse it.

Job duties will include:

• Organizing hard-copy reports for scanning at DPAA facilities
• Processing digital documents and metadata in tDAR
• Data mining using conventional or Natural Language Processing techniques
• Building datasets for use in GIS
• Preparation of reports and manuscripts
• Other duties as assigned

Initial deadline for complete applications is December 31, 2021; if not filled, review of complete applications will occur every two weeks thereafter until the search is closed.

Information about SHESC can be found at http://shesc.asu.edu. Information about tDAR can be found at  www.tdar.org.

The College values our cultural and intellectual diversity, and continually strives to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment. We are especially interested in applicants who can strengthen the diversity of the academic community.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in anthropology or a related field in hand by the time of appointment. Additional desired qualifications include knowledge of and experience with archaeological data and materials, GIS, Natural Language Processing, and a strong record of collaborative research and outreach activities.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit application materials electronically to http://apply.interfolio.com/99889.  Required materials include: 1) a cover letter outlining qualifications; 2) a 2-3 page statement outlining proposed research, as specified above 3) a current curriculum vitae, 4) a statement addressing how your past and/or potential contributions to diversity and inclusion will advance ASU’s commitment to inclusive excellent, and 5) contact information for three references.  General questions about this initiative should be directed to Dr. Christopher Nicholson (Christopher.M.Nicholson@asu.edu).