Research Assistant in the Ng'ipalajem Project (d) (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a 12-month Research Assistant position on the NG'IPALAJEM project, funded by the ERC. The project aims at collecting new palaeontological, archaeological and geological data in the field and in museums to tackle questions about human evolution in Africa in the last million years and is led by Prof. Marta Mirazón Lahr. Further information about the project and its collaborative partners can be found at: https://www.palaeotrails.org/current-projects/ngipalajem/

The successful candidate will join the NG'IPALAJEM team, with the focus of their activities in assisting the PI in the collection, processing, and analysis of palaeontological materials using advanced digital methods, including 3D scanning, 3D Geometric Morphometrics and generally support the research focused on skeletal morphology, preservation, and documentation through high-resolution imaging and data management. The post-holder will also work collaboratively with researchers to prepare digital datasets for analysis, publication, and archiving, ensuring accuracy and adherence to best practices in anthropological and archaeological science, as well as contribute to general project administration and the broader project aims as needed.

Applicants should have excellent organisation skills, attention to detail, ability to work on their own initiative and as part of a team, excellent interpersonal skills, familiarity with field science in human evolution, computer skills (spreadsheets and databases), excellent written and oral communication skills, and be prepared to spend periods of time in Kenya.

Key essential skills include (1) a BA/BSc degree in anatomy, osteology, anthropology, archaeology, biology, or a related field, (2) demonstrable experience in 3D imaging, geometric morphometric analysis, segmentation of tomographic scan data, and knowledge of relevant software, (3) excellent command of written and spoken English and computer skills, (4) excellent organisation and communication skills, and timeliness. Familiarity with aspects of Pleistocene African prehistory, knowledge of other languages (particularly of Swahili), experience with relational databases, website design, field excavations, and a valid driver's licence are desirable.

The successful applicant will be based at the Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolutionary Studies, Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, and be prepared to spend time in Kenya assisting in the collection of data or during the project's fieldwork.

Starting date should be no later than 1st October 2025. Interviews of selected candidates will be online in July 2025.

Applications should include a cover letter (max 500 words), a CV, and the name and email of two referees.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

All enquiries should be addressed to: Prof. Marta Mirazón Lahr, mbml1@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference JC46341 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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