Underwater Archaeology and Maritime History jobs

President, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, apply today!

1) Developing dendro-archaeological approaches in Nautical Archaeology: integration of ring studies, dendrochronology and timber morphology (3D CAD) for the reconstruction of past forestry practice and exploitation.

2) The PhD project entitled ‘Application of ecological wood anatomy for provenancing oak and pine wood from Atlantic Iberia’ will be carried out as 4-year PhD project at the Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group at Wageningen University. The project is linked to the interdisciplinary EU project ForSEAdiscovery.  ForSEAdiscovery is an integrated training programme and aims at combining academic research on the History of shipbuilding, trade networks, Dendro-Archaeology, Wood biology, Forestry and Wood/Timber provenance. The focus of this PhD project is on wood anatomy, dendrochronology and forest ecology. The originality addresses the use of wood anatomical characteristics – possibly also in combination with isotopes and genetic traits – as tool to exactly detect the provenance of timber used for ship building. The PhD has a strong ecological component, mainly related to elaborating wood formation in pine and oak in relation to specific environmental conditions.

3) Reconstructing timber in Spanish-Atlantic shipbuilding – treatise and archaeology.

4) The Dendro-archaeology of Portuguese ships of the Early Modern Period.

Conservator, Florida Division of Historic Resources, Bureau of Archaeological Research, closes April 30.

Performs routine conservation of historic and other artifacts (Historical Conservator): Carries out conservation of metal and wooden artifacts to professional standards, and conservation of other archaeological materials to best level possible with available resources. Identifies and applies appropriate protective treatments to conserved artifacts, and maintains electronic records of treatment in existing databases.

Assigns and prioritizes conservation tasks assisting technicians, and trains new conservation techs in routine tasks (e.g., use of abrasion equipment, conservation tank set ups, proper use of equipment for moving heavy objects, proper handling and safety procedures for chemicals, correct application of post-conservation coats, record keeping, and lab safety).

Provides or coordinates technical support in response to conservation related requests for assistance. Examples of requests for assistance include, technical advice on conservation and curation, technical advice about moving large and/or fragile artifacts such as cannons and canoes, or in selected cases, conservation of non-Bureau of Archaeological Research (BAR) artifacts. If appropriate to the request for technical assistance, the Historical Conservator writes cost estimates and assists with preparation of billings for contracted conservation work.

Coordinates with BAR Collections to maintain current and accurate artifact location information as items move into the lab, through different lab treatment stations within the lab, and out of the lab to a curation location. Coordinates with BAR Collections to provide archival curation advice as needed.

Coordinates with BAR underwater staff and (selected) salvage contractors about scheduled annual inventories, artifact reviews, and logistics of salvage recovery divisions. The Historical Conservator reviews shipwreck artifacts reported for division, and coordinates with BAR staff to identify items of interest and prepare the state’s request for division. The logistics of review of artifacts (physical inspection, or contractor provided high resolution file images) and physical pickup of items divided to state are coordinated through the Historical Conservator.

Public information, including but not restricted to scheduling and hosting requested conservation tours, and making or referring to appropriate BAR staff artifact identifications.

Join members of the Nautical Archaeology Society, divers, educators, students and fellow underwater archaeology enthusiasts for two weeks of training in beautiful Traverse City Michigan. Classes will be held at Northwestern Michigan College’s waterfront Great Lakes Campus.

Come train on the Great Lakes with experts in the field of Underwater Archaeology. Each of the course instructors are qualified professionals in their field of study and will be sharing their years of experience with you. This is a great chance to do some sunny summer diving and get some fantastic training too!

The dates of the field school are July 12 – July 27, 2014.

Most of the detailed information concerning the field school can be accessed via the internet at: http://www.nasnmc.com. Under the 2014 NAS Field School tab at the top of the main page you can find information on: the aims and objectives of the field school, course schedule, frequently asked questions, prices and package deals, online payment option and a printable flyer.

There are many class options and both package deals and al-a-carte pricing are available. You may attend just a single day-long class or the entire two-week long event. Feel free to sign up for courses as your schedule allows.

These are great courses to have on your resume if you are considering a post-graduate degree in anthropology

Academic Credit at Northwestern Michigan College

The NAS Part 1 and NAS Part 2 courses can be taken for academic credit at Northwestern Michigan College. Each course is worth 3 anthropology or social science credits.

You may sign up for these credit courses online at: http://www.nmc.edu/student-services/records-registration/getting-things-done/registration-information.html

The NAS Part 1 (Introduction to Foreshore and Underwater Archaeology)
ANT 201 – CRN 1246

NAS Part 2 (Certificate in Foreshore and Underwater Archaeology)
ANT 202 – CRN 1220

If you need assistance you may also call NMC registration at: 231-995-1049.
Or visit their web site at: http://www.nmc.edu/student-services/records-registration/contact-records.html

Courses Offered:

Introduction to Nautical Archaeology
NAS Level One Certification
NAS Level Two Field Project

NAS Level Three Classes:

Archaeological Surveying using a total station
Artifact Drawing and Archaeological Illustration
Documentary Research
Flint Knapping
Native American Settlement in the Upper Great Lakes
ROV Construction
Ship and Boat Construction
Underwater and Artifact Photography
Using Site Recorder 4 (Archaeological site drawing software)
Video Editing in Archaeology

Detailed directions to the NMC campus are provided on the web site. There is a fairly large airport in Traverse City, which has daily flights to both Detroit and Chicago.

Very reasonably priced accommodation in the NMC student dormitories can be purchased at your request, but these spaces are filling fast, so book now to avoid disappointment. There are also many hotels in the local area but these will be both expensive and full during the field-school so book early to avoid disappointment.

We hope you will join us for what promises to be a unique training opportunity and all around good time!

Please email mholley@shianet.org  or call 989-307-9651 if you have any questions.

Dr. Mark W. Holley

Texas A&M University project on the Aucilla River, Florida.

Assist in the excavation of a submerged Paleo-Indian site in Florida, including both underwater and terrestrial excavations. Most experienced applicant will serve as crew leader/supervisor.

Major/Essential Duties of Job: Assist in set up of site area, surveying site boundaries, diving and managing underwater excavation equipment, use of screens, monitoring divers, managing air supply systems, identifying and logging cultural materials, and data collecting. Role of crew leader/supervisor (if applicable).
Occasional Duties.  Assist with camp maintenance and other duties as necessary.

Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree or any equivalent combination of training and experience. At least six months experience with prehistoric archaeological material and familiarity with underwater excavation techniques and gasoline pumps. Previous participation in an Archaeological field school. Current dive physical, DAN insurance, DAN 02 training, CPR/First Aid Training. Ability to lift moderate loads. Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Education and Experience: NAUI or PADI dive master or above certification. Expertise with gasoline pumps and engines. At least one year experience with Florida and Southeastern archaeology, and/or experience with excavating submerged prehistoric sites. Familiarity with Paleo-Indian artifact types. Experience with underwater pumps and dredging equipment.

Required Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations: Current diving certification from acknowledged diving agency.

Preferred Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations

Required Special Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Current dive physical, DAN insurance, DAN 02 training, CPR/First Aid Training. Ability to lift moderate loads. Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Special Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Familiarity with Paleo-Indian artifact types. Experience with underwater pumps and dredging equipment.

1) Director, Naval History and Heritage Command, closes 24 March

This position is in the Senior Executive Service, a small elite group of top government leaders.  SES members possess a diverse portfolio of experiences including strong skills to lead across organizations.  As an executive, you will influence the direction of innovation and transformation of the federal government and lead the next generation of public servants.

The Naval History & Heritage Command (NHHC), located at the historic Washington Navy Yard, is an Echelon II command responsible for the preservation, analysis, and dissemination of U.S. naval history and heritage. The NHHC is composed of 42 facilities in 13 geographic locations including the Navy Department Library, 10 museums and 1 heritage center, USS Constitution repair facility and detachment, and historic ship ex-USS Nautilus.

 

2) Exhibits Specialist, National Navy Museum, closes 10 March

This position is located at the National Navy Museum, Naval History & Heritage Command (NHHC) in Washington, DC.  The mission of the National Navy Museum is to collect, preserve, and interpret naval heritage, science, and operations for the benefit of the U.S. Navy and the people of the United States. The museum accomplishes its mission through programs of artifact collection, interpretation, education, and publication. The interpretation and display of artifacts are central to the mission of the museum.

 

3) Research Administrator, re-advertised, apply today

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join a Risk Management Company in Bury St. Edmunds as a Research Administrator on a temp to perm basis with an immediate start.

The successful candidate will be assisting colleagues with researching on projects and carrying out statistical analysis.

Skills

* Maritime Archaeology/Geology degree or equivalent
* Previous experience within a research role is desirable but not essential
* An eye for detail and ability to complete projects and keep to deadlines

 

4) Co-Curator, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, open until filled

Research Associate in Maritime Archaeology, University of Ulster, closes March 26.

Update:

Dear All,

The Centre for Maritime Archaeology at the University of Ulster is advertising for a Research Associate in Maritime Archaeology (Fixed term until 30 June 2016).

The post-holder will assist in delivering services relating to maritime archaeology for government in Northern Ireland, including field and underwater survey, research, assessments, planning consultations and protection, legislative advice and outreach.

Full details of the position are available at: http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/AII257/research-associate-in-maritime-archaeology/

Regards,
Rory

Rory Quinn | School of Environmental Sciences | University of Ulster | +44(0)28.70.124884 | http://www.ulster.ac.uk/es<http://www.ulster.ac.uk/es

2014 Flinders University Maritime Archaeology Topic

Ships: Research, Recording and Reconstruction, open for external applications

External applications are now open for the 2014 Flinders University Maritime Archaeology topic

Ships: Research, Recording and Reconstruction, scheduled from 22-26 September 2014.

This topic provides students with the theoretical and practical training necessary for researching ships and ship construction. Students will develop an in-depth knowledge of recording, representing and interpreting ship construction. Students should expect to learn nautical terminology, the basic components of a ship and activities aboard, principles of ship construction and rigging, procedures for taking and drafting ship lines and construction plans, hull analysis, procedures for graphic representation of hulls and principles of reconstructing ships.  This topic is challenging, demanding and hands-on; students are expected to participate fully in problem-solving exercises.

This topic will be taught in the intensive mode (one week) and SCUBA diving qualifications are not required for participation

The course is open to non-Flinders student for the cost of tuition. Credit for the course may be applied to home universities. This is aso a great opportunity for current practicing professionals interested in staff development training. For more details and to apply to the topic please see: https://www.flinders.edu.au/ehl/archaeology/fieldwork/field-schools/ships.cfm

Any questions, just email wendy.vanduivenvoorde@flinders.edu.au
__________________________________________
Wendy van Duivenvoorde, PhD
Lecturer in Maritime Archaeology
Deputy Director, Australian Consortium of Humanities Research Centres (ACHRC)
President Australasian Institute of Maritime Archaeology (AIMA)
Department of Archaeology | Flinders University
GPO Box 2100 | Adelaide, SA 5001 | AUSTRALIA
CRICOS Provider: 00114A

Physical location: Humanities, room 277
Phone  +61 8 8201 5195 | Fax +61 8 8201 2784 | E-mail wendy.vanduivenvoorde@flinders.edu.au

Program in Maritime Archaeology: http://www.flinders.edu.au/ehl/archaeology/postgrad-programs/by-coursework/in-maritime-archaeology.cfm
Department blog: http://flindersarchaeology.com/
Staff page: http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/wendy.vanduivenvoorde

University of Southampton Research Fellow, closes 28 March

Faculties of Humanities: Disciplines of History and Maritime Archaeology, University of Southampton

The Evolution of English Shipping Capacity and Shipboard Communities from the early 15th Century to Drake’s Circumnavigation (1577)

The successful applicant will be based at the University of Southampton and will be supervised by Dr Craig Lambert in the Discipline of History and Professor Jon Adams in the Discipline of Maritime Archaeology.

1) Exhibits Specialist, National Museum of Naval Aviation, Pensacola, Florida, closes 4 March

This position is located in the Exhibit Division, at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida, a component of the Naval History and Heritage Command in Washington, DC.  The mission of the National Naval Aviation Museum is to select, collect, preserve and display appropriate memorabilia representative of the development, growth and historic heritage of naval aviation.

 

2) Exhibits Specialist, Naval Undersea Museum, closes 4 March

The primary duty station for this position is located at the Naval Undersea Museum (NUM) in Keyport, Washington. NUM is a component of Navy Museums Northwest (NMNW), also comprising the Puget Sound Navy Museum (PSNM) in Bremerton, Washington.  The Exhibit Specialist also holds exhibit fabrication duties at both NUM and PSNM.  NMNW is a component of the Naval History and Heritage Command in Washington, DC. The mission of the Naval Undersea Museum is to collect, preserve, and interpret naval undersea heritage, science, and operations for the benefit of the U.S. Navy and the people of the United States. The museum accomplishes its mission through programs of artifact collection, interpretation, education, and publication. The interpretation and display of artifacts are central to the mission of the museum.

 

3) Assistant Professor in Maritime and Naval History, Sorbonne, apply today

Paris-IV Sorbonne University is currently inviting applications for an Assistant Professor position in Maritime and Naval History from Antiquity to the contemporary world. The appointee will join the Humanities department of the French Naval Academy in Lanvéoc-Poulmic. Interdisciplinary skills and innovative pedagogical practices are required as the Assistant Professor will also support ethical training and geopolitics teaching. Applicants are also required to show their ability to develop research programs between Paris-IV Sorbonne University inside the Research and Higher Education Cluster “Sorbonne Universities”, the French Naval Academy and the Academy’s Research Institute. A good knowledge of both the maritime and military world will be appreciated.

More information is here, follow this link if you can read French!

1) Museum Education Specialist, National Museum of the United States Navy, closes 3 March

This position performs major education, public programming, and public relations duties in the Education and Public Programs section of the National Museum of the United States Navy, of the Naval History and Heritage Command. This position is located in the National Museum of the United States Navy in the Washington Navy Yard.

2) Museum Technician, Hampton Roads Naval Museum, closes 3 March

This position is located in the Museum and Collections Division, at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum (HRNV) in Norfolk, VA. The purpose of the position is to assist in the design, development, and implementation of educational programs, and employs a variety of media and educational techniques in order to demonstrate the significance of HRNM’s artifact and archival collection.

3) Museum Curator, US Naval Academy, closes 3 March

You will serve as the principal adviser to the Museum Director, as a museum curator, on matters relating to the Beverly R. Robinson Collection of Historic Naval Prints.  This involves an analysis of the collection; identifying gaps in the historic content of the collection, either chronological or regarding specific events; reviewing auction house, or other sales catalogs, and otherwise being familiar with pending sales of prints that may be desirable to add to the collection; advising the Director when such prints are available, ad n if deemed desirable and affordable, coordinating the purchase of the items using the Beverly R. Robinson gift fund that was set aside for this purpose.

Museum Curator, Naval Academy, closes March 3, 2014.

This position is located at the Naval Academy Museum, in Annapolis, Maryland.  The museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, and exhibit the artifacts and art that are the physical heritage of the United States Navy in order to instil in Midshipmen a knowledge of the history and heritage of the US Navy and Naval academy, to demonstrate to the public the contributions of Academy graduates to the military services and the Nation and to motivate a desire to become part of the Brigade of Midshipmen and begin a career of service to the Nation and the interpretation of artifacts and their display to the general public and visiting tourist in the Annapolis, MD area and DoD personnel is central to the Museum’s mission.

Underwater Archaeologist, Naval History and Heritage Command, closes 28 February

This position is at the Underwater Archaeology Branch, Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), Department of the Navy (DoN), Washington, DC. Responsible for managing and conducting archaeological research and survey on the Navy’s over 17,000 sunken military craft. Conserves and curates artifacts associated with Navy sunken military craft and undertakes public outreach initiatives to inform the Navy and the public of their maritime heritage.   Please ensure you review the qualifications portions of this posting closely for eligibility requirements.

Heritage Awareness Diving Seminar
May 15-17, 2014
Marathon, Florida

Presented by:
Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN)
Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research (BAR)
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS)

The Spring 2014 Heritage Awareness Diving Seminar will focus on providing COURSE DIRECTORS, INSTRUCTOR TRAINERS, and INSTRUCTORS with a greater knowledge of how to proactively protect shipwrecks, artificial reefs, and other underwater cultural sites. Upon completion of the Seminar, you will be able to teach the Heritage Awareness Specialty Course (approved by NAUI, PADI, and SSI) and will know how to promote sustainable underwater heritage tourism in your area.

This three-day seminar will include two evenings of classroom-based learning and one day of in-field training. A welcome meet-n-greet will be held on the evening of May 14. Please contact Jeff Moates of the Florida Public Archaeology Network (information below) before April 15 for more information and to find out how to reserve your space in the Seminar.

Program Details:
The American Anthropological Association is pleased to offer two internship opportunities funded by member donations for the summer of 2014.

Internships are six weeks in length from June 30 through August 8, 2014.  Internships are unpaid however; interns will be provided housing and a meal/travel stipend.

Interns will spend approximately 40 percent of their time working onsite at the AAA offices in Arlington, Virginia, and the other 60 percent of their time working on-site at one of two locations described below.

Eligibility:

• Undergraduate students in their junior or senior year
• First Year Graduate students (completing the first year of graduate work by June 2014)

Applications will be accepted beginning February 10.

NHHC Internship
The Underwater Archaeology Branch (UAB) of the Naval History & Heritage Command (NHHC), the official history program of the Department of the Navy, is located at Washington’s historical Navy Yard. The office serves four main functions:

• Cultural Resource Management, Historic Preservation & Policy Development –  Resource management involves implementing an overall cultural heritage policy, ensuring Navy remains in compliance with federal laws and regulations, forming a sunken military craft inventory, crafting individual site management plans, coordinating violation enforcement, coordinating human remains issues, and extensive collaboration with federal, state, local agencies, international counterparts, the non-profit sector, the private sector and the public to best manage sunken military craft.
• Archaeological & Historical Research – Intrinsically tied to the management of sunken military craft are the inventory, survey, assessment, documentation, research and monitoring of these ship and aircraft wrecks.  NHHC undertakes archaeological research as a lead agency, as a collaborator, as a guide, and as a monitor and permit-issuer in the case of external archaeological surveys and/or actions that disturb sunken military craft.
• Artifact Conservation & Curation –  All historic artifacts recovered from an underwater environment require some form of conservation and a proper curation environment to remain in a stable condition. NHHC, via its Archaeology & Conservation Laboratory, is directly responsible for about 9,000 artifacts originating from sunken military craft.
• Education, Public Relations & Information Dissemination – Public education and outreach is a fundamental mission component of NHHC as it helps promote the Navy’s heritage and preserve its sunken military craft from disturbance. Information dissemination occurs through channels such as publications, presentations, lectures, a web and social media presence, and press coverage is pursued on a regular basis.

Interns can expect to work on tasks such as: preparing, undertaking, or following up on field investigations; conducting archaeological and historical research; reviewing, editing or preparing reports; synthesizing information and preparing policy or case study briefings; conserving artifacts; assisting with the UAB artifact inventory, management, and loan programs; coordinating partner and inter-agency correspondence; and participating in public outreach and education initiatives such as tours, lectures, presentations, and web presence.

1) Public Affairs Specialist, closes 10 February

This position serves as a Social Media Expert will monitor, maintain, develop, and produce digital content for all the Naval History and Heritage Command’s official social media sites, as well as monitor and mentor all the official US Naval Museum’s social-media activity to ensure quality control, communication message alignment, and limit frequent numerous postings.

2) Historian, closes 10 February

This position is for the Lead Historian, located at the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), Washington Navy Yard.  The mission of the Naval History and Heritage Command is to: collect, preserve, protect, and make available the artifacts, documents, and art that best embody our naval history and heritage for present and future generations; advance the knowledge of naval history and heritage through professional research, analysis, interpretation, products and services; make naval history and heritage “come alive” for our Sailors and Marines to enhance readiness and esprit de corps; and remind America of its need to maintain a strong Navy and Marine Corps to protect its citizens, their freedoms, and the nation’s maritime commerce.

3) Archivist, closes 10 February

This position is located at the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC.

This position is located in the Archives Branch at the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC). The Archives Branch is responsible for the management and service of Navy records and documents of historical value, including Navy records sent to the NHHC in accordance with SECNAV M-5210.1. Work encompasses accessioning, arranging, describing, preserving and servicing of the photograph and film records in the archive.  This responsibility includes providing reference service that employs (1) knowledge of archival library and other research resources, (2) grasp of the subject matter and substance of the inquiry, and (3) an understanding of the point of view and the needs of the researcher.  Reference services range from providing specific images in response to explicit inquiries, to providing professional research support, advice and consultation to government officials or scholars concerned with locating and studying photographs and other visual records related to broad or complex subjects.

Call for Papers
Abstract Submission Deadline Extended

North American Society for Oceanic History,Canadian Nautical Research Society,National Maritime Historical Society 2014 Annual Conference
Hosted by the Erie Maritime Museum
Erie, Pennsylvania

“Connected by Water: Inland Waterways and Maritime Endeavors,” the 40th Conference of the North American Society for Oceanic History (NASOH), co-sponsored the by Canadian Nautical Research Society and the National Maritime Historical Society, will be hosted by the Erie Maritime Museum in Erie, Pennsylvania, May 14-17, 2014.

Using the international connection of the Great Lakes as a backdrop, the 2014 Program Committee invites paper and session proposals that explore maritime connections, cultural landscapes, or an interweaving of both to examine the meaning and processes of our maritime heritage. Suggested topic areas include cultural connections, race, gender, archaeology, empire, military (e.g., War of 1812), indigenous, environmental, public history, and parks and protected areas. Additional topics and geographic focuses are welcome for submission and the Program Committee will consider papers and sessions exploring all aspects of history and archaeology related to saltwater or navigable freshwater environments. Papers from graduate students and junior scholars with fresh approaches to maritime history are greatly encouraged.

Students may apply for a Chad Smith Travel Grant to assist in travel to present a paper at the conference. Additionally, the Clark G. Reynolds Student Paper Award is provided each year to the author of the best paper by a graduate student delivered at the society’s annual conference. Please see the awards section of the NASOH website for details.

The Program Committee welcomes the submission of individual papers and full sessions, preferring panels with three papers. Session and Individual paper proposals should include: A) An abstract, not to exceed 250 words; B) A 200-word bio for the presenter; C) Contact information including phone number, address, affiliation, and email.  Accommodations for PowerPoint presentations will be provided; however, any other requirements, including audio-visual equipment, special outlets, or accommodations for disabilities should be included in the proposal.  Please note that all participants must register for the conference.

The deadline for proposal submission is extended to February 28, 2014. Please submit proposal packets electronically to the Program Committee. These should be sent to: Program Co-Chair Vic Mastone at victor.mastone@state.ma.us. NASOH members interested in serving as panel chairs, please send an email to the Program Committee at the same address.

Stowaway on the Charles W. Morgan, last wooden whaleship, Mystic Seaport Museum Mystic, CT
Mystic Seaport is seeking a curious, enthusiastic and engaging adult to “stow away” on the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan during her 38th Voyage and to share their journey with the world. The 38th Voyage will bring the ship to historic New England ports. The Stowaway will watch, inquire, learn, participate, and use their creative energy to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience through blogging, videos, social media, and activities in the port cities. Absolutely no sailing experience is necessary! Curious non-mariners are encouraged to apply. Requirements: • Stay with the ship and be fully committed from June 10 through August 10, 2014 — no exceptions. • Be over 21 years of age. • Be comfortable using a computer, social media, and video software or be a quick study. • Be able to meet and interact with a diverse range of people • Be able to live aboard a historic vessel requiring frequent use of ladders and exposure to a range of temperatures and weather. • Be team-oriented and able to live in a shared space for an extended period (you will share a bunk on board with 20-30 others). • Be self-motivated and able to work independently, with professionalism at all times. • Be willing to learn and take on any and all jobs associated with living and working aboard a sailing vessel • Final applicants are required to pass a drug test and criminal background check.

Visit http://www.mysticseaport.org/stowaway/ for full details and an application. Complete applications include an application form, resume, and 60-second video created by you.

Deadline: 2/18/14.

PhD Studentship:

Colonising the Last Place on Earth: Quantifying Polynesian Canoe Performance Under Different Climate Regimes
University of Southampton -Engineering and the Environment

open until filled, apply today!

The Pacific Islands of Polynesia were the last part of the earth’s surface to be colonised by humans. Recent analysis of the dates of colonisation indicates that this occurred in phases, with the main migrations occurring as far east as Samoa/Tonga and Fiji by ~800B.C. Colonisation of islands further to the east occurred after an hiatus of ~1800 years. The reasons for this hiatus are subject to speculation, with current arguments ranging from climatic deterioration to technical barriers resulting from canoe sailing performance that where only resolved later as design improvements evolved. This research centres on a hypothesis that the sailing performance of Polynesian canoes during the period ~ 800 BC – ~1015 A.D. restricted further eastward migration. The key aim of the research is to determine whether technical barriers prevented movement of humans between islands during the c.1000 year hiatus in migration. It is intended that the research will allow for:

1.  Development of realistic models of ocean going canoe hull designs and sail characteristics from the period of early colonisation.

2.  Establishment of canoe hull hydrodynamic and sail aerodynamic performance under a range of wind and wave climate conditions.

3.  Determination of probable wind and wave climate conditions during different phases of colonisation.

4.  Modelling of route optimisation under different wind/wave climates representative of different phases of colonisation.

5.  Identification of specific wind/wave climates that optimised voyaging between key island destinations (e.g. Cook Islands, Society Islands, Tuamotu, Marquesas, Gambier, Rapu Nui (Easter Island), Hawaii, New Zealand).

The supervisory team will include naval architects, geographers and maritime archaeologists. The candidate should have a degree in an applied science (e.g. physics or oceanography) or a mechanical engineering discipline (e.g. naval architecture/aeronautics/mechanical).

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr James Blake, Fluid-Structure Interactions research group, Email: j.i.r.blake@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 9544