Post Doctoral Research Assistant - AHRC Peopling of the Tularosa Basin (Neo-Ichnology and Footwear)

Bournemouth University’s vision is worldwide recognition as a leading university for inspiring learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society through the fusion of education, research and practice. Our highly skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross section of the globe, who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives and experiences that help to build our global learning community. 

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) have awarded a grant to the Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (Faculty of Science and Technology) entitled: Peopling of the Tularosa playa during the Last Glacial Maximum. This follows the discovery of ancient human footprints within this basin. 

The research team now seeks a talented individual who can support across a range of activities involving the documentation of ancient footprints both at White Sands National Park and at other playa locations across the American Southwest. We are particularly interested in modern analogue experiments to help interpret fossil footprints and in exploring ancient footwear and the traces they may leave. This post will involve excavation of footprints; their digital capture via photogrammetry and/or optical laser scanning; data analysis of footprints; Geographical Information Systems; data management and museum study of ancient footwear. We do not expect candidates to be experts in all these fields but a good technical grounding and experience of fieldwork practices within geosciences or archaeology is essential. You will have a doctoral qualification in an appropriate field, be able to work independently and travel as necessary. Participation in footprint excavations and the documentation of footprint sites forms a key part of the duties, as will engaging with indigenous peoples. 

This position is available on a fixed-term basis until 31 March 2026.

For further information about the position, please contact Matthew Bennett at MBennett@bournemouth.ac.uk. 

A detailed job description and person specification are available from our website together with an online application form. Alternatively, please email the HR Services Team at hrvacancies@bournemouth.ac.ukquoting the appropriate reference FST597. 

BU values and is committed to an inclusive working environment. We seek a diverse community through attracting, developing and retaining staff from different backgrounds to contribute to inspirational learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society. To support and enable our staff to achieve a balance between work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements. 

Closing Date: (Midnight) Thursday 28 March 2024

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