PhD Studentship - Technological Choice and Variability in Prehistoric Metalworking: A Transdisciplinary Investigation

Award summary

Newcastle University (UK) announces a call for a PhD scholarship on a project titled Technological choice and variability in prehistoric metalworking: a transdisciplinary investigation, funded by the AHRC Northern Bridge Doctoral Training Partnership as a Collaborative Doctoral Award. The partner organisation is ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, STFC, UKRI. 

Tuition fees paid at a rate equivalent to the UK home fee. For international students, Newcastle University will cover the difference between home and international fees through the university’s Global Scholarships Scheme. Costs for relocating to the UK cannot be covered. 

Overview

This project investigates variability and social choice in prehistoric metalworking through an innovative transdisciplinary approach that integrates experimental archaeology, materials science, and a critical review of social studies on craft practice. The student will develop a novel understanding of artisan skill, sensory perception, communities of practice, and craft specialisation in prehistoric bronzeworking. The research will provide new insights into the social context of early European metallurgy, reassessing the enduring link between metallurgy and the rise of social complexity. Through this work, the student will acquire a unique transdisciplinary skillset that will significantly enhance their intellectual profile and employability. 

A copy of the project proposal is available here: northernbridge.ac.uk/applyforastudentship/cda.

Number of awards: 1

Start date: September 2025 (starting in January 2026 is permissible). 

Award duration:

3.5 years full-time or 7 years part-time. Funding can be extended up to 4 years by undertaking a placement at the partner organisation or another non-higher-education institution. 

Application closing date:

Complete Expressions of Interest must be sent to andrea.dolfini@ncl.ac.uk as a single PDF or MS-Word document no later than Monday 3^rd February 2025, midnight (UK time).  

Shortlisted candidates are expected to be interviewed by videoconference on Friday 7^th March. 

Sponsor

AHRC through the Northern Bridge Consortium. 

Supervisors

• Supervisor #1: Prof Andrea Dolfini, School of History, Classics & Archaeology, Newcastle University. 
• Supervisor #2: Dr Alasdair Charles, School of Engineering, Newcastle University. 
• Partner Organisation supervisor: Dr Antonella Scherillo, ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, STFC, UKRI. 
• External advisor: Dr Christina Clarke, Australian National University.  

Eligibility criteria

Education and Professional qualifications. Essential: Master’s degree in Archaeological Science, Heritage Science, or similar, or an MSc in a relevant science degree, e.g., materials science (Merit or Distinction, or international equivalent). Desirable: BA/BSc in Archaeology, Heritage Studies, or similar, or a BSc in a relevant science degree, e.g., materials science. 

Research experience and training. Essential: Foundational knowledge of metallurgy and materials. Desirable: Background knowledge of later prehistoric Britain/Europe. Understanding of material characterisation techniques and metalwork microstructure, e.g., optical and scanning electron microscopy, metallography and neutron techniques. 

Professional Practice. Desirable: Bronze casting and working experience. Other professional experience in any of the fields intersected by the project. 

Interpersonal Skills. Essential: Excellent verbal and digital communication skills; teamworking; ability to deliver high-quality work to deadlines. 

Other Criteria. Essential: Excellent written English; excellent numeracy; IT literate; independence; excellent time management. Desirable: An ability to work across disciplinary boundaries, especially humanities/social sciences vis-à-vis the natural/materials sciences. 

For 'How to apply' information please see Search Funding | Postgraduate | Newcastle University

Contact details

Please send informal enquiries to andrea.dolfini@ncl.ac.uk

Advert information