Palaeoecology Research Fellow (Landscapes of Catastrophe)

About the job:

Landscapes of Catastrophe: archaeology, social-ecological and biological contexts for the Great Irish Famine, 1845–52 is an interdisciplinary project investigating the ecological, biological and social contexts of An Gorta Mór, the most profound demographic and diasporic event in Ireland over the last millennium during which more than two million people died or emigrated. The project develops new approached to constraining environmental and landscape chronologies for the period 1650–1960 CE and uses these to reconstruct demographic and agricultural change through palaeoenvironmental evidence. Six case study landscapes across Ireland form the core analytical framework, each illuminating different demographic, environmental, social, and religious impacts of the Famine.

The successful candidate will contribute a broad, multi-proxy palaeoecological skillset to the project. They will carry out field sampling and laboratory analysis of peat and soil sequences from case-study landscapes across Ireland, and will work closely with the project Co-Leads to deliver integrated palaeoenvironmental work packages. Core analytical responsibilities include pollen, non‑pollen palynomorph, plant macrofossil, XRF, isotopic, and tephra analysis, alongside the construction of Bayesian age–depth models using radiocarbon, 210Pb, and tephrochronology. Candidates with experience in metagenomics (sedimentary aDNA), biomarkers, or a demonstrated capacity to acquire new palaeoenvironmental techniques are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will receive tailored training and mentorship as appropriate, and will have access to state- of-the-art facilities including the 14CHRONO Centre and the Institute for Heritage and Environmental Science at QUB.

Successful applicants will have responsibilities for independent and directed research, supervision of technical analysis, assisting in the planning and day-to-day management of the palaeoecological work packages, related collaboration and outreach. The successful candidate will join laboratories with internationally recognised strengths in radiocarbon dating, palaeoecology, scientific archaeology and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the past. The post benefits from more than £6m of recent investment in geochronology, isotope geochemistry, and analytical instrumentation (including XRF, X‑ray imaging, Micro‑CT, SEM, LA‑ICP‑MS, TQ‑ICP‑MS, and microprobe), offering extensive opportunities for training, skills development, and professional growth.

About the person:

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Have a relevant PhD in Palaeoecology or closely cognate discipline.
• Specific, relevant* research experience to include:
  • An established expertise and proven portfolio in multi-proxy palaeoecology research.
  • Demonstrable experience in the collection, preparation and analysis of peat and soil sequences using palaeoecological and geochemical methods (including pollen, non‑pollen palynomorphs, plant macrofossils, XRF and tephra analysis), and in constructing robust age–depth models based on radiocarbon, 210Pb, and/or tephrochronology.
  • Proven ability to publish in national/international journals (commensurate with stage of career).
  • Experience of working effectively as part of a research team in the development and promotion of research project results.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information document on our website.

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