Postdoctoral Research Associate (Ancient DNA)

Contract type fixed term

Hours of work Full time, 37 hours per week

Location University of York campus

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. The Synergy project’s international dimension presents ample opportunities for networking and travel. Here you can find further information on the MEDGREENREV project and the current team members.

This position will focus on the extraction, analysis and interpretation of ancient genetic data from key livestock species (e.g. cattle, sheep, goat) to map diachronic changes in genetic diversity and population structure to illuminate potential changes in husbandry regimes during phases of Islamic and Christian political control. 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 zooarchaeological specialists within MEDGREENREV to identify suitable samples. 
• Extract ancient DNA from selected archaeological specimens, prepare Illumina sequencing libraries and undertake bioinformatic analyses. 
• Present at international conferences to diverse audiences
• Lead peer-reviewed papers
• Be given the opportunity to contribute to supervising undergraduate and postgraduate projects. 

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• Undergraduate degree in archaeology, biology or other relevant discipline
• PhD in biomolecular archaeology, zoology, genomics or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of analysing ancient DNA or genomic datasets 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
• Ability to work as part of a team and also to work independently

Interview date: TBC

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

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