Research Assistant/Associate in Heritage Science (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 14 months in the first instance.

The McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research invites applications for a fixed-term Research Associate in Heritage Science. The post holder will work as part of the AHRC-funded project: "Small performances": investigating the typographic punches of John Baskerville (1707-75) through heritage science and practice- based research, led by Marcos Martinón-Torres jointly with Co-Investigators Caroline Archer (Birmingham City University), Ann-Marie Carey (Birmingham City University) and Maciej Pawlikowski (Cambridge University Library).

This is a unique opportunity to join a leading team of archaeological and heritage scientists around the newly- refurbished Cambridge Heritage Science Hub (CHERISH). We seek a rigorous, creative and collaborative researcher who is keen to both benefit from, and contribute to, our critical mass.

The post holder is expected to work primarily at the McDonald Institute and the University Library in Cambridge but also including brief trips to Birmingham and other locations. Key responsibilities will include the advanced imaging, chemical, micromorphological and microscopic analysis of steel typographic punches in the Baskerville collection, in addition to contributions to engagement with craftspeople, typeface designers, and the broader public.

The Research Associate in Heritage Science will lead on the characterisation and analysis of the collection of around 2,750 punches in the Baskerville collection, with special emphasis on microscopic (3D digital microscopy and SEM), metallographic, and elemental analyses (by SEM-EDS). They will work closely with other team members conducting 3D scanning, photogrammetry and RTI, in addition to other forms of analysis and replication.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent experience). Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges: Research Assistant £32,296 - £34,866 per annum and Research Associate: £36,924 - £45,163 per annum

The role holder is expected to possess some research experience with sufficient breadth and depth of specialist knowledge, including research methods and theoretical frameworks, to work within and enrich the research programme. The post is suitable for researchers with a background in materials science and metallurgy, archaeometallurgy, heritage science, or related disciplines, with an interest in past technologies, advanced imaging and the characterisation of small metal objects.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BAME 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.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Prof Marcos Martinón-Torres (m.martinon-torres@arch.cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference JC44680 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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