(MEDGREENREV) Laboratory Technician in Geoarchaeology and Palaeoecology

Full time/fixed term contract for 2 years. The start date is flexible depending on applicant, but to begin as soon as possible.

Closing date: 23:59 8^th September 2026

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The successful candidate(s) will have to ensure that they have the right to work in the UK or be able to secure this through another means without the sponsorship of the University. Further information about sponsorship is available on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

We are pleased to advertise this opportunity to develop your practical laboratory expertise in geoarchaeology and palaeoecology. The role will provide laboratory-based technical support for the project Medieval Green Revolution (MEDGREENREV). MEDGREENREV is and ERC-funded project running from 2023-2029, entitled Re-thinking the “Green Revolution” in the Medieval Western Mediterranean (6th-16th centuries), led by the Autonomous University of Barcelona, the University of Granada, the University of Reading, and the University of York, with partners at the University of Valencia, University of Murcia, University College London and the University of Basel. Focusing on the Iberian Peninsula, including the Balearic Islands, and Morocco, our project explores the impact and legacy of the environmental transformations associated with multiple regimes and population movements during the 'medieval millennium', set against the backdrop of climatic fluctuations.

The primary duty of this position, based at the University of Reading, is to assist with the preparation of archaeological soil and sediment thin sections for micromorphological analysis in the Microanalysis Preparation Unit (MPU), with training and supervision provided by the Laboratory Coordinator and the Laboratory Manager of this facility. You will carry out additional laboratory tasks such as compiling sample inventories, recording sediment descriptions of cores, extractions for microbotanical remains (pollen and phytoliths) and soil/sediment processing for geochemical and mineralogical analysis. During these tasks, you will work closely with all members of the Reading MEDGREENREV team. The ideal candidate will have a background in laboratory work in the specialisms of Geoarchaeology, Environmental Science, Environmental Archaeology, or related subject and they will be keen to learn new skills when required by the job.

Link for University website only: For further details about MEDGREENREV, please see project’s website http://medgreenrev.com/en

You will have :

• Substantial experience of working in a laboratory environment.
• Attainment equivalent to achievement of HNC, AS/ A-Level, NVQ3 or degree in Archaeology, Geography, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology or related subject.
• Proficiency in the use of specialist equipment that requires significant training and/or certification.
• Excellent knowledge of relevant specialist techniques and systems to carry out tests and/or analyses and contribute to the interpretation of results.  

Contact Name, Job Title and Email address: Dr Rowena Banerjea, Research Associate, r.y.banerjea@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name, Job Title and Email address: Professor Aleks Pluskowski, Professor of Medieval Archaeology, a.g.pluskowski@reading.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):