PDRA (Stable Isotopes)

Role Description

Department

The Department of Archaeology at the University of York is ranked 26th in the world and 5th in the UK in the QS rankings. Our vibrant community consists of over 100 staff and over 600 students, with growing international representation. We carry out international, impact-oriented and interdisciplinary teaching and research of the highest quality through our strong network of partnerships. The student experience is of paramount importance to the Department and we maintain a high level of student satisfaction. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at our core and we promote a collegial environment in which staff and students feel supported and valued. We are proud of our Athena Swan Silver Award and strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, flourish, and excel.

Role

This Research Associate will play a key role in the Horizon Europe UKRI guarantee element of the ERC Synergy project “MEDGREENREV. Rethinking The Green Revolution In The Western Mediterranean” led by Prof. Michelle Alexander at the University of York. MEDGREENREV brings together a range of experts in archaeology, history, climate, and biomolecular and palaeoenvironmental techniques across eight universities in Europe to explore the long-term relationships between cultural and ecological changes in the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands, and North Africa during the medieval millennium (6th-16th centuries CE), a region and time period characterised by shifting political power and significant population movements. Here you can find further information on the MEDGREENREV project and the current team members.

The Research Associate will analyse multiple isotopes in bones and teeth from human and animal populations from rural, urban, and fortified sites to explore diet, subsistence, animal husbandry and mobility during phases of Islamic and Christian political control. They will also carry out compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) of carbon and nitrogen in bone collagen for detailed dietary reconstruction. The role holder will work together in a team with two other PDRAs based in York and a much larger network of over 30 researchers over the project. Specifically, the Research Associate will:

• Work closely with the osteological and zooarchaeological specialists within MEDGREENREV to target sampling.
• Undertake isotope analysis of carbon, nitrogen, sulphur oxygen and strontium
• Undertake compound-specific isotope analysis on select samples
• Present at international conferences to diverse audiences
• Lead peer-reviewed papers

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• First degree in Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry or other relevant field
• PhD in archaeology, bioarchaeology, archaeological science or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of isotope analysis of bones and teeth to engage in high-quality research
• Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide-ranging audience, both orally and in writing, using a range of media
• Ability to write up research work for publication in high-profile journals and engage in public dissemination
• Competency to conduct individual and collaborative research projects
• Ability to work as part of a team and also to work independently

Interview date: Friday 28th March

For informal enquiries: please contact Michelle Alexander at michelle.alexander@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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