Precious Chiwara-Maenzanise
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Nationality:
Zimbabwean
Qualifications
BA, Honours, MA: University of Zimbabwe
Ph.D: University of Cape Town
Affiliations
Human Evolution Research Institute (HERI), Department of Geological Sciences University of Cape Town, South Africa.
1. What does a postdoctoral researcher in archaeology or heritage typically do?
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​A postdoctoral researcher in archaeology or heritage typically conducts independent or collaborative research that contributes new knowledge to the field. This includes designing and leading fieldwork, analyzing archaeological materials (e.g., lithic artifacts), publishing in peer-reviewed journals, securing funding and research permits, and presenting at academic conferences. Many postdocs also contribute to teaching, supervise students, and support broader institutional research goals.
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In my case, my postdoctoral work at the University of Cape Town exemplifies this: I lead a research project on Earlier and Middle Stone Age quartzite use patterns in the southern Kalahari, working within a collaborative North of Kuruman research group. I am mentored by Associate Professor Robyn Pickering and Dr. Benjamin Schoville. I continue to publish actively, contribute to interdisciplinary teams, and present my work at both regional and international conferences.
2. What skills are essential for succeeding in a postdoc position?
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Essential skills include:
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Independent research capability: Designing and executing your own research agenda.
Field and lab proficiency: Strong methodological skills in excavation, surveys, artifacts analysis, and data interpretation.
Academic writing and publishing: Ability to produce high-quality publications.
Grant writing: Securing funding to support research.
Research permit application: As a postdoctoral researcher, you are responsible for applying for your own research permits. For example, in South Africa, this involves applying through SAHRA (South African Heritage Resources Agency). This contrasts with pre-PhD stages where supervisors often handle permits.
Teaching and supervision: Many postdocs mentor students or serve as guest lecturers.
Professional networking: Presenting at conferences and participating in international collaborations are crucial for visibility and career development.
​3. What are common routes into postdoctoral research for archaeology or heritage graduates?
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Common pathways include:
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Completion of a Ph.D., often with a developing publication record, a clear research specialization, and demonstrated field and lab competence. While a strong publication record is advantageous, some postdocs are secured with fewer publications, especially when the candidate shows strong research potential, unique skills, or alignment with specific project needs.
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Securing postdoctoral fellowships through institutions or competitive grant programs.
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Transitioning from research assistantships or collaborations during the Ph.D. into formal postdoctoral roles.
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Leveraging networks built through conferences, internships, or academic workshops to identify and access opportunities.​​​​​​
​4. What’s something unexpected or rewarding about postdoctoral work?
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One unexpected but rewarding aspect of postdoctoral work is the freedom to shape your own research trajectory while building expertise in a niche area. Postdocs serve as a bridge between being a student and becoming an independent scholar, which is both challenging and empowering.
Becoming an independent scholar also means being invited to contribute to wider academic efforts. For instance, I was invited to co-author a publication commemorating 100 years of the Taung discovery, featured in the South African Journal of Science—a rewarding recognition of my growing academic profile. It also means expanding your skill set to meet the demands of your research. I identified a gap in geochemical analyses within lithic studies and pursued hands-on training to incorporate geochemistry and provenance methods into my work. This initiative enabled me to master the full laboratory workflow and enhance the interdisciplinary scope of my research.
Ultimately, postdoctoral research offers a unique and fulfilling opportunity to grow not only as a specialist, but also as a meaningful contributor to broader academic and heritage conversations.
