Postdoctoral Research Associate - Encounter

A fixed term full-time postdoctoral appointment for 36 months is available to work on the ERC-funded project “Encounter: Demography, Cultural change, and the Diffusion of Rice and Millet during the Jomon-Yayoi transition in prehistoric Japan”. https://www.encounterproject.info/.  The role is for an analytical chemist or archaeological scientist to conduct lipid and protein residue analysis on Final Jomon and Early Yayoi ceramic vessels. You will generate data that will advance our understanding of the transition to farming in Japan. N.B. Prior doctoral training or equivalent experience in the field of organic residue analysis is highly desirable.

You will join the University of York’s world-renowned BioArCh group, where you will benefit from a highly multi-disciplinary and engaging working environment.  You will work closely with the residue analysis group under the direction of Prof. Oliver Craig, although you have your own remit within the project and the opportunity to complete first authored publications. You will be supported by our team of dedicated technicians and have access to all the instrumentation needed to undertake the research on site.  As part of this project, you may also be expected to make occasional visits to Japan to undertake sampling and dissemination of the results with the project partners, and to Cambridge where other team members are based. 

Role

Main purpose of the role

  • To undertake organic residue analysis of ceramic vessels, prepare samples, interpret the data and prepare reports, presentations and articles for dissemination.
  • Assist the PI (Dr Enrico Crema) and senior scientists towards delivering the overall goals of the project. 
  • To conduct individual and collaborative research projects, duties to include: analysis and interpretation of research data; use of appropriate research techniques and methods; writing up of research results and dissemination through publications,  seminar and conference presentations and public engagement and outreach activities; contributing to the identification of possible new areas of research

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

  • PhD in chemistry, archaeological science, biochemistry, earth sciences, or a related topic or equivalent  experience
  • Knowledge in chemistry or geochemistry to engage in high quality research
  • Knowledge of organic residue analysis or organic chemistry applied to an archaeological context  
  • 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 develop research objectives, projects and proposals for own and joint research, with the assistance of a mentor if required

Interview date: 28 or 29 April 2020

For informal enquiries: please contact Oliver Craig on oliver.craig@york.ac.uk

Department

Archaeology

Based at

University of York - Heslington Campus

Hours of work

Full-time

Contract status

Fixed term

Salary

£32,817 - £34,804 a year

Posted Date

17/02/2020

Apply by

22/03/2020

Job Reference

8479

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