Research Associate (Remote Sensing and Survey)

Department
The Department of Archaeology at the University of York is ranked 25th in the world and 5th in the UK in the QS rankings. Our vibrant, diverse and international community consists of over 100 staff and about 600 students. 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 the heart of our values and we promote a collegial environment in which staff and students feel supported and empowered to achieve their full potential. We are proud of our Athena Swan Silver Award and strive to provide a working environment which facilitates wellbeing and allows all staff and students to contribute fully, flourish, and excel. We aim for a sustainable future.

Zambezian Entanglements in the South-Central African Iron Age (ZAMBEZI) is an ERC Advanced Grant-funded project based at the Department of Archaeology, University of York. It is a 5-year project starting in January 2026. It introduces a radical new precolonial history of an African region in the Middle Zambezi Valley. The project explores the site of Ingombe Ilede in Zambia and its regional setting, using a nested methodology that includes excavation at Ingombe Ilede and a suite of regional investigations using remote sensing, drone-based LiDAR and more traditional on-the-ground archaeology.

Role
We are now advertising for a post-doctoral Research Associate to join the project with responsibility for remote sensing and GIS. This post is offered on a fixed-term basis up to 31 December 2028 and provides crucial regional analysis and using novel technologies to explore settlement and landscape across the region. The role holder will need to have competencies in survey and geospatial analysis and a willingness to explore new methodologies. They will be based in York and will be expected to participate in fieldwork in Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications Needed

• PhD in Archaeology or a related discipline.
• Expertise in remote sensing and survey, including geophysical survey.
• Track record of research in a related field.
• Experience of participating in and leading archaeological fieldwork.

Interview date: 23rd February 2026.

For informal enquiries: please contact Professor Stephanie Wynne-Jones on stephanie.wynne-jones@york.ac.uk.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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