Postdoctoral Research Associate, China TRACER (Technological Roots and Cultural Exchange Research in Early Northern China)

Location: School of Archaeology, 2 South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3TG

Fixed Term- 4 years. 0.8 FTE

About the role

The School of Archaeology invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join an exciting new research project funded by the Chinese World Heritage Fund.

The postholder is a highly motivated and ambitious PDRA for the Project, China TRACER (Technological Processes and Social Organisation in Early Northern China). Based at the School of Archaeology at the University of Oxford, the postholder will conduct interdisciplinary research on prehistoric northern/northwest China, combining methods from archaeology, anthropology, and material sciences. Working alongside Dr Anke Hein and Dr Guohua Yang, the post holder will play a crucial role in supporting the wider academic mission of the research group.

About you

The successful applicant will have excellent communication skills and be able to demonstrate attention to detail and a high level of accuracy. They will be able to manage and prioritise a busy and varied academic workload and take a collaborative approach that fosters the development of professional and effective working relationships with key stakeholders. A demonstrated ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the collaborative group at internal and external meetings is a must.

Application process

Informal enquiries may be addressed to  hr@arch.ox.ac.uk

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. The Supporting Statement should clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Guidance on how to write a strong supporting statement can be found here.

The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon on Monday, 6 April 2026

Only applications submitted through the University of Oxford e-recruitment system and received before the closing date can be considered.

We expect to hold interviews the week commencing Monday, 20 April 2026.

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity, and to being a place where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those underrepresented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Employment with the University and progression within employment will be determined according to personal merit and the application of criteria related to the duties and conditions of the post. In all cases, the primary consideration will be the ability to perform the job.

As stated in the University’s Equality Policy and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan, our commitment to equality and diversity goes hand in hand with our commitment to academic freedom and free speech.

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