Postdoctoral Research Associate (Tropical Palaeobotany)

This UKRI funded post is available from 1^st February 2025 to 31^st January 2027 to support the work of Prof. Mark Robinson in relation to the Biodiversity and the Legacy of Anthropogenic Disturbance on Environments in the Neotropics project.

We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.

The post
The successful applicant will conduct archaeobotanical (phytolith) analysis of samples from a Belizean tropical forest.

You will contribute to cross-disciplinary research integrating a range of state-of-the-art techniques in archaeology, archaeobotany, palaeoclimate, remote sensing, botany, and plant DNA to investigate the long-term human legacy on a tropical forest in Belize. The context ranges from initial peopling of the region in the Late Pleistocene, through agricultural adoption, the rise and fall of an ancient Maya centre, and the subsequent 1000 years of succession.

You will have a strong archaeobotany background to contribute to understanding changing landcover and human impact on the environment of Central America. Archaeobotanical laboratory training (especially phytolith) is highly essential. You will be responsible for writing up research for publication, liaising with the wider international project team, and presenting research at international and project meetings.

About you
You will:

• Be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.
• Possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study.
• Be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.
• Be able to process, identify, graph, and interpret phytoliths (preferably from Neotropical contexts) and have an understanding of forest ecology.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button) for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research.
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly.
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development.
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career.
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26wks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6wks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy.
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

Benefits
We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• 41 days leave per year
• options for flexible working
• onsite gyms and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26wks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6wks full pay) and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

Further information
Before submitting an application, you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Prof. Mark Robinson, Department of Archaeology and History, l m.robinson2@exeter.ac.uk.

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