an unexpected job application.

[kareina]

I have just applied for a job as a Senior Research Assistant in Digital Archaeology at Umeå University. I was NOT planning on applying for anything yet. I am still employed, (very part time) at the Archives in Luleå, so I have some income while I focus on finishing my Masters in Archaeology at Durham University (which project has been on hold for much too long, and now that I am once again enrolled I really want to finish), and my expenses are low, since I own the house outright, so my plan was to not even look for work at all until I at least get my papers written, or, more likely, till the degree is complete. (Especially as I would also like to make more progress on the house renovations, which are important if we want to keep living here, and more important if we decide to sell and move on.)

However, last March a job ad Senior Research Assistant in Digital Archaeology at Umeå University was sent to the Durham Archaeology Department email list, and I was tempted (interesting job, worthwhile contribution to the world, and only one hour south of my house, which is much better than the 2.5 hours I currently have to get to work). So I considered applying. Then decided that I didn't really have the time to put together an application and didn't.

Then on Friday I saw a post to the Women in Academia Support Group on FB advertising the position again. I asked the poster about it, since it was pretty much the exact same ad I had seen in March, and she confirmed that the position was being re-advertised as they hadn't hired anyone last time. She guessed no qualified applicants, but she isn't on the hiring team, so couldn't know for certain. The biggest change between the last ad and this one is the change from

We are looking for someone with a PhD in archeology, paleoecology or similar subjects and with experience of having previously worked in several projects, or with equivalent experience from the consultancy industry.

to

We are looking for someone with a PhD in archeology, biology, ecology, geography, geology, paleoecology or any other subject relevant to the position; experience of working within several projects...

This time, while I really should be focusing on finishing up that paper, I felt inspired. In part because when one sees the same job twice At a time when one isn't looking for job ads it kinda feels like a nudge from the job gods, especially when the changes to the requirements make me a better match for the job. Therefore I started a cover letter on Saturday and updated a 1 page version of my CV with my current job, and this summer's job. Today I finished them, wrote the essay about the impact I can see SweDigArc having on research, and found some example publications to send them. Now it is submitted, and I can happily forget about it until and unless they contact me about it.

Comments

[bjarni]

I hope you get the job! The ferries from Finland go to Umeå, so if I ever use that route to get to you you might be able to pick me up from the harbor.

[madbaker]

Best of luck!