Palaeoenvironmental Post Doctoral Research Associate

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Medieval Green Revolution project, funded by the European Research Council (MEDGREENREV), which is investigating the relationship between environmental and cultural transformations during the medieval period in the Western Mediterranean. Alongside the University of Reading, the project consortium is led by the Autonomous University of Barcelona, the University of Granada and the University of York, in partnership with UCL, the University of Basel, the University of Valencia and University of Murcia. We are seeking a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join our research team at Reading, focusing on micro-botanical analysis, specifically palynology, and the analysis of non-pollen palynomorphs (NPP) and phytoliths from soils and sediments from the project’s case study regions in Spain and North Africa. This includes analysing samples from terraces, irrigated fields and archaeological sites. The post is funded for (24 months).

You will contribute to the reconstruction of past landscapes and human-environment interactions through the analysis of microfossil assemblages. The position will involve fieldwork, laboratory work, data analysis, and collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of archaeologists, palaeoecologists and historians.

You will have:

• PhD (or PhD near completion) in Archaeology with a focus on environmental archaeology, with a speciality in palynology, non-pollen palynomorphs and phytolith analysis
• Expertise in the analysis of pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs and phytoliths.
• Experience in laboratory-based micro-botanical extraction and analysis.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills for data interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to publish research in high-impact journals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.

Closing date: 09/04/2025
Interviews will be held: 22/04/2025

Contact details for advert

Contact Name: Aleks Pluskowski
Contact Job Title: Reading PI of Medgreenrev
Contact Email address: a.g.pluskowski@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: Rowena Banerjea
Alternative Contact Job Title: Geoarchaeology Research Associate of Medgreenrev
Alternative Contact Email address: r.y.banerjea@reading.ac.uk

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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