PhD Studentship - Re-evaluating BOEM's Guidelines for Identifying Submerged Pre-Contact Archaeological Sites in the Gulf of Mexico: an Extensive Geoarchaeological Approach

Project Supervisors: Dr Simon Fitch, Dr Jessica Cook Hale

Project Description:

The Submerged Landscapes Research Centre at the University of Bradford is recruiting a talented, enthusiastic, and motivated PhD candidate to undertake research on the submerged archaeological landscapes of the Gulf of Mexico, U.S.A.  under Dr Fitch’s and Dr Cook Hale's U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) funded project. The PhD candidate will be able to draw on both the expertise at Bradford and that of partners, including those in North America, to support them to achieve this research.

This PhD will carry out innovative archaeological research across the Gulf of Mexico, assessing landscapes submerged by sea level rise after the end of the last ice age, supported by both Bradford's world leading research expertise in submerged landscapes studies and resources provided by BOEM’s Environmental Studies Program. The PhD will use both legacy survey data made available by project partners, and new data, to support the project’s primary aim, which is to update and refine methods for detection and examination of submerged landscapes across the Gulf of Mexico. These landscapes are vital to understanding Pre-Contact archaeology in this region and thus the project also prioritises engagement with Tribal Nations. Thus, the PhD student will also be included in outreach and collaborative efforts with Tribes who retain cultural connection to these landscapes, providing them with a unique experience in such engagement at a time when Indigenous perspectives have begun to be properly appreciated.

Within this project framework, the PhD’s research will contribute to interdisciplinary academic outputs, including climate modelling, environmental humanities, sustainable development initiatives, and heritage management best practices. This research is timely since information on the archaeology of these submerged regions is urgently needed as offshore development expands significantly in North America. Moreover, due to the high priority placed on Indigenous perspectives, the PhD will have a unique opportunity to both learn how such engagement is carried out as well as build relationships with Tribal collaborators.

Successful candidates should have a masters degree or equivalent experience upon commencing the PhD. The ideal candidate will possess a background in any combination of the following: geoarchaeology, archaeological sciences, and training in anthropological archaeology. They should also possess a demonstrated track record in geographical information systems alongside generally strong analytical skills. Knowledge of marine archaeology will be advantageous but is not required. Training will be provided for specialist software packages as will opportunities for offshore marine survey training in conjunction with the BOEM project ship surveys. The PhD therefore provides the candidate with an unrivalled opportunity to work with international partners while deploying cutting edge technologies to undertake a unique piece of research into human occupations of the submerged landscapes of North America.

Funding notes:

This project has full funding for International or UK students, which will cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per year for living costs, and a Research Support Grant.

Funding for:

International and UK Students

Enquiries email name and address:  

For informal enquiries, please contact research@bradford.ac.uk

How to apply:

Potential candidates should apply directly online through the online application portal.

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