Postdoctoral Research Associate (Archaeomaterials) (1FTE)

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) for a two-year term to support Dr. Matthew Ponting on the £2.2M ERC-funded project ‘Rome and the Coinages of the Mediterranean: 200 BCE to 64 CE’ (RACOM). This cross-disciplinary project is a collaboration between Matthew Ponting, Kevin Butcher (University of Warwick) and Adrian Hillier (STFC, UKRI, Harwell) using chemical and isotopic analyses to investigate the links between Late Hellenistic and Roman Republican coinages. You will be familiar with the handling and interpretation of lead isotope and trace element data from archaeological metals. This work will build on the approaches developed by Pollard and Bray (2014; 2015) and Pernicka (2014) which use elemental abundances alongside isotope ratios for Bronze Age legacy data, and the work of Albarede et al. (2012 etc.) which calculates model (assumed) ages from standard lead isotope results that can be used to distinguish between primary metal and mixed/recycled metal.

You will be expected to develop an innovative approach for the use of lead isotope data alongside trace element data, which will allow us to better model and understand processes of re-cycling and mixing, and to identify the likely sources of materials that were being mixed together. This will entail developing detailed data modelling systems for silver alloys using the elemental and isotopic data generated by the project to better understand procurement and processing of silver bullion used for the production of Late Hellensitic and Roman Republican coinage. You will be expected to publish a series of articles that investigate novel data manipulation techniques for standard lead isotope data specific to the requirements of archaeometallurgy.

You should have a PhD in Archaeology or Geochemistry. You should also have a proven ability to conduct analytical programmes to a successful conclusion.

This a fixed term post for six months, starting 1 March 2025.

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30.  Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Job Ref: 083726                                                    Closing Date: 30 August 2024

For full details and to apply online, please visit: https://recruit.liverpool.ac.uk

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