The Mark and Ismene Fitch Laboratory for archaeological science of the British School at Athens (BSA) invites applications for the post of Williams Fellow in ceramic petrology.
The Fellow will join a leading team of ceramic analysis experts and other archaeological scientists at the Fitch, as well as the vibrant BSA community and an extended network of international collaborators, to pursue research on archaeological ceramics following or adding to the Fitch Laboratory’s research agenda. The latter combines the use of scientific methods with social anthropology approaches and experimentation, having a strong archaeological focus as well as a multi-scalar landscape perspective. Beyond their own project, the post holder will have the opportunity to participate in ongoing laboratory projects or contribute to the development of new ones. The appointee is expected to contribute to the BSA’s teaching programme (including the Fitch’s taught courses) and undertake supervision of interns and postgraduate students. The Williams Fellow, as a member of the laboratory staff, will coordinate the use and maintenance of the laboratory facilities for ceramic petrology (e.g. microscopes, reference collections), participate in regular staff meetings and contribute to outreach activities.
The Fellow is expected to complete tasks in accordance with a realistic timetable, take initiative in developing research agendas as well as training or outreach opportunities, and work independently or collaboratively towards the presentation and discussion of results in peer-reviewed publications in a timely manner. The post involves work in the field, the laboratory and the library, and the number and duration of trips will depend on the project(s) undertaken.
Starting date: 01/10/2026, or as soon as possibly thereafter.
The fellowship is for three years. The post is based in Athens, Greece, and the gross salary will be in the range of 28,000-30,000€ per annum (including national health insurance and pension contribution), plus private health insurance, while additional funding will be provided for analytical costs/research & conference travel.
At the conclusion of the term the fellow is expected to have published (or submitted) at least two peer review publications on research conducted during the tenure of the fellowship. All publications resulting from research supported by this fellowship (whether written during the tenure of the fellowship or afterward) must acknowledge the support received from the Fitch Laboratory and list the laboratory as one of the affiliations of the researchers. The laboratory must also receive PDFs of all publications resulting from this support.
The fellow’s line manager will be the Fitch Laboratory Director, who will be responsible for conducting annually the fellow’s performance appraisal to review their job performance and overall contribution to the laboratory, in consultation with the Fitch Laboratory Committee. Continued funding for an additional fourth year will be contingent upon the approval/recommendation of the Fitch Laboratory Committee.
The Williams Fellow’s Profile
Appointment is dependent on holding a relevant PhD (in Archaeology or Archaeological Science), or having submitted the thesis by the current call’s submission deadline. The appointee is expected to have relevant research experience reflecting adequate expertise in research methods and theoretical frameworks to contribute to and enhance the laboratory’s research programme.
Essential selection criteria:
- Advanced knowledge of ceramic petrography
- Proven experience in the study of archaeological ceramics (including macroscopic examination and sampling)
- Proven ability to work efficiently with relatively little supervision
- Proven ability to engage in and contribute to a research group and develop research agendas.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to produce technical reports, academic publications and public presentations to an international standard
Desirable selection criteria:
- Familiarity with application of elemental analysis in the study of ceramics (either the actual analytical process and data collection or at least the processing/combined use of elemental data)
- Experience/knowledge of computational approaches to archaeology (databases, graphics) and familiarization with digital and social media communications
- Familiarity with Aegean and/or Mediterranean archaeology
- Knowledge of modern Greek
Application Process
Applicants are asked to submit online the following:
- Cover letter, with the applicant’s contact details, outlining the reasons for applying, clearly addressing how the applicant meets each of the selection criteria outlined above and discussing potential contribution and wider impact on the Fitch Laboratory and the BSA, including the mutual benefit of the applicant and the host institution.
- Curriculum vitae, giving details of past employment, academic and other qualifications, any relevant experience, research interests and publications;
- Research proposal for a project to be undertaken and completed within the term of the Williams fellowship (max. 3 pages, 1.5 spaced), including objectives, background and relation to current state of knowledge in the field, project implementation (including work plan, methodology and techniques to be used with an estimate of sample number, timeframe), dissemination and impact. The applicants should refer to the status of their access to relevant material (including letters by excavators or formal permits).
- The names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of two referees, whom the candidate has contacted in advance and who have agreed to supply letters of reference, which they will submit online following an invitation they will receive from the BSA by the closing date.
Click HERE to apply
Closing date for receipt of applications (and references): 12 June 2026.
Applicants will be assessed in the first instance on their written applications. Selected candidates will then be called for an interview, which may include some practical tests, e.g. on mineralogy and optical microscopy of ceramic fabrics. Interviews will be conducted online in July 2026. The successful candidate, who will be notified soon afterwards, is expected to take up the post from 1 October 2026 or soon afterwards (negotiable).
For further details on the BSA and the Fitch Laboratory, check the School’s website (http://www.bsa.ac.uk/http://www.bsa.ac.uk/index.php).
For informal enquiries on the post and the application process, please contact the Laboratory Director, Dr Evangelia Kiriatzi (e.kiriatzi@bsa.ac.uk).
The BSA actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.