Postdoctoral Research Associate (Pastoralists Lost)

This AHRC funded, full time post is available from 1^st June 2025 to 31^st January 2027 to support the work of Prof. Alan Outram (PI) and Dr Alex Pryor (Co-I)

The post

You will work within the project team associated with the ‘Pastoralists Lost’ project (which includes DFG-funded collaborators at Kiel University, Germany, Prof. Cheryl Makarewicz PI) to undertake scientific analyses of faunal remains from prehistoric Central Asia.

The aim of the project is to investigate stages of horse domestication in the context of the development of early pastoral societies in Northern Central Asia. This will principally involve sampling of horse and other animal teeth to undertake stable isotopic analyses of strontium and oxygen to aid the reconstruction of animal mobility patterns. LA-MC-ICPMS techniques will be applied under the supervision of Dr Alex Pryor.

The post will include laboratory work involving the sampling of animal teeth and preparation for LA-MC-ICPMS analysis, interpretation of strontium and oxygen stable isotope data and collaboratively writing up these data for publication. The post may involve travel to Kazakhstan to select samples from archaeological faunal assemblages, and/or to Kiel, Germany to engage with project partners.

About you

You will:

• 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 present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies
• be able to undertake laboratory work associated with stable isotope analysis of archaeological faunal remains and assist with the interpretation and writing up of these data 

Please ensure you read the Job Description 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 

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

Further information

Please contact Prof. Alan Outram, a.k.outram@exeter.ac.uk or (01392) 724398.

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