Research Assistant: 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 Assistant position on the NG'IPALAJEM project, funded by the ERC. The project aims at collecting new palaeontological, archaeological and geological data in the field and in museums to tackle questions about human evolution in Africa in the last million years and 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/.

The successful candidate will join the NG'IPALAJEM team, assisting the PI in the running of the project, the implementation of the project's research and communication strategy, contribute to the organisation and running of the project's fieldwork in Africa, and participate in data collection and writing of research articles. Applicants should have excellent organisation skills, attention to detail, ability to work on their own initiative and as part of a team, excellent interpersonal skills, familiarity with field science in human evolution, computer skills (spreadsheets and databases), excellent written and oral communication skills, and be prepared to spend periods of time in Kenya.

Key essential skills include (1) a BA/BSc degree in archaeology, palaeontology, biology or a related field, or 3 excellent A-levels (A/A*), (2) excellent command of written and spoken English and computer skills, (3) excellent organization and communication skills, and (4) timeliness. Familiarity with aspects of Pleistocene African prehistory, knowledge of other languages (particularly of Swahili), experience with relational databases, website design, 3D morphometrics, field excavations, and a valid driver's licence are desirable.

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 in Kenya assisting in the collection of data or during the project's fieldwork.

Starting date should be no later than 15 January 2025. Interviews of selected candidates will be online in November 2024.

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

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

Please quote reference JC43901 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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