Research Fellow in the sedaDNA of Ancient Ports

Full Time Fixed Term (until 31/05/2028)

We are looking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to be part of the PortGEN Project team with special responsibility for the extraction, analysis and application of sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA). The purpose of this role is to undertake sedaDNA and related research in accordance with the specified research project under the supervision of the award holder Professor Tony Brown.

Port harbors are the umbilical cords of civilizations uniting land and sea and can provide a unique ‘window’ on population, diet/health, technology and environmental change. Being the lifeblood of complex societies, ports can reveal how society adapted to changing environmental conditions, from disease to floods. So far, the ‘past of ports’ has been explored using archaeology, texts, plant/animal remains (seeds and bones), microfossils (e.g. pollen) and geochemistry. Since the discovery that extra-cellular ancient DNA can be preserved in sediments 20 years ago, it has been used in lakes, estuaries, floodplains, soils and marine sediments. Recent research outside archaeology has shown that shallow-marine sediments can retain DNA for thousands of years as so-called ancient sedimentary DNA (sedaDNA).

Important recent studies of the sedimentology and geomorphology of ancient ports has have also allowed us to understand both the processes of siltation and the effects of dredging. This is critical to deriving reliable time-sequences spanning well-defined periods in Classical antiquity. These advances will be coupled with some new sedimentological techniques (portable optical stimulated luminescence), which will be trialed on two smaller port sites in southern England and one in the south of France. The sedaDNA will be largely identified using metabarcoding, which involves DNA extraction and then using polymerized chain-reactions (PCR) to amplify targeted regions of ancient DNA sequences from the sediment. But we will also use techniques that do not use PCR, to look at DNA quality and a variety of micro-biological remains including pathogens and even bacteria from the human and animal guts.

So PortGEN will be the first project to systematically explore this potential using harbour sediments, much already collected and from some of the best-known ports in the ancient world. This includes Classical ports at (Rome (Ostia, Portus), Venice, Ephesus & many more. The project is highly collaborative with the CNRS in France (Strasbourg), The Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute in the UK, experts on the Mediterranean world, and a large number of site excavators. It is believed that PortGEN will provide new insights into the lives & economic activities of ancient civilizations.

A working knowledge and experience in sedaDNA is desirable but not essential as candidates with research experience in cognate fields (e.g. biomarkers, molecular ecology, palaeoecology) may be considered as full training in sedaDNA methods can be provided.

The School of Geography and Environmental Science is committed to fostering a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion https://www.southampton.ac.uk/geography/about/equality-diversity-and-inclusion.page]. The School are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family friendly policies, flexitime and flexible working. We are a Disability Confident employer and the School holds a bronze Athena SWAN award. 

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

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