Research Associate: Palaeoanthropology Ng'ipalajem Project (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a 24-month Research Associate in PALAEOANTHROPOLOGY on the NG'IPALAJEM Project, funded by the ERC. The project aims at exploring Pleistocene human evolution in East Africa and contextualise our lineage ecologically and chronologically as part of a broader and longer African evolutionary landscape. The project is led by Prof. Marta Mirazón Lahr. Further information about the project and its collaborative partners can be found at: https://www.palaeotrails.org/current-projects/ngipalajem/.

As part of the NG'IPALAJEM team, the successful candidate will contribute to both project-wide and role-specific tasks. In terms of the project, they will assist the PI in the implementation of the project's research, communication and scientific strategy; in relation to role-specific responsibilities, they will be expected to (1) participate in the project's fieldwork in Turkana and post-excavation seasons of work in Kenya, (2) work with the PI describing and analysing new hominin remains from Turkana, (3) contribute to building a collection of 3D models of all palaeoanthropological remains from these localities; (4) carry out comparisons to relevant human and hominin fossils in museum collections, including in the context of late Early Pleistocene Homo and the last paranthropines, and (5) work with the PI and other project members towards meta-analyses that contribute to our understanding of hominin diversity prior to the origins of modern humans. Besides scientific writings, they will also be expected to contribute to the writing of reports and the supervision of student projects working in association with the project.

Key essential skills include (1) a PhD degree in biological anthropology/palaeoanthropology; (2) evidence of ability to synthesise and systematise data, (3) fieldwork experience, and (4) evidence of excellent writing skills in English. Familiarity with anatomical descriptions, 3D analyses of morphological data, field experience in Kenya, aspects of Pleistocene African prehistory, experience with relational databases, and a valid driver's licence are desirable skills.

The successful applicant will be based at the Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolutionary Studies, Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, and be prepared to spend time abroad - for the project's fieldwork in Turkana, and in museums, particularly NMK, for the collection of data.

Starting date: As soon as possible after appointment and at the latest by 15 January 2025.

Interviews of selected candidates will be online in November 2024.

We particularly welcome applications from women and/or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the apply button above.

All enquiries should be addressed to: Prof. Marta Mirazón Lahr, mbml1@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference JC43865 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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