Post Doctoral Research Assistant

About the role:

As a result of our success in capturing external research grants the University of Lancashire seeks a Post Doctoral Researcher (PDR) in stable isotope analysis in archaeology to join an expanding group of researchers in archaeology and anthropology. This position is truly open and can be shaped in collaboration with the team by the successful candidate willing to build on existing skills within the essential criteria.The PDR will be employed for four years on the Wellcome Career Development Grant awarded to Dr Brenna Hassett ‘Tracing Diseases of Contact at the End of Human Mobility’ to investigate human mobility through trace stable isotopic data from human remains from the Central Anatolian plateau.

About you:

Main responsibilities of the role will include collaboration with laboratory facilities at Koç University, Türkiye, to develop innovative methods for the analysis of radiogenic and heavy isotopes (e.g. Sr, Pb) alongside working with colleagues with expertise in light stable isotope analysis (C, N,O,S). 

The PDR will work in partnership with laboratory facilities in Türkiye and ongoing excavations and will require doctoral-level experience of working with isotope analysis of archaeological material. Experience that would recommend a candidate but is not essential includes any of the following: analysis of dental enamel, mass spectrometry, knowledge of the Epipalaeolithic to Pre-Pottery Neolithic period in Central Anatolia, knowledge of the regional isoscape, or working with human remains. 

The PDR will be expected to have strong written communication skills and to be able to lead publications and present on their area of the project. Experience working within teams and record of publication are preferred.

The successful candidate will need to be an independent self-starter, able to manage their own time and projects, with capacity for flexibility in field research contexts. This position will be based at the University of Lancashire but will include substantial amounts of travel to Türkiye.

Applicants need to meet all essential criteria on the person specification to be considered for interview.

What we can offer you:

Our people are our most important asset. We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. As well as realising your career ambitions, you’ll be making a positive difference to other people’s lives. We also offer a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform.

We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

The University is committed to providing a safe environment to study, work and visit, protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm and abuse. Our safeguarding policy and safer recruitment procedure outlines our approach, alongside other internal policies, procedures and guidance which can be found on our Safeguarding page.

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):