Research Assistant in Environmental Archaeological Data of the Fens (Fixed Term)

Term)

The McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research invites applications for a fixed-term, full-time Research Assistant to work within the Fenscapes project. The project focuses on Fens region of eastern England, and aims to generate innovative and engaging perspectives on the long-term trajectories of landscapes, habitats and species, including humans. The successful candidate will support the project team with the main phase of primary data collection, drawing together a diverse range of environmental archaeological, palaeoecological and archaeological data from the region obtained from published sources, local archives and Historic Environment Records, and 'grey literature' reports.

Key tasks will include: the identification and extraction of environmental archaeological and/or palaeoecological data relating to selected key taxa from published and grey literature; the creation of digital records of these data following a standardised format; creating and maintaining a database of radiocarbon and dendrochronological dates from previous investigations in the study area; reviewing, amending and enhancing existing geospatial archaeological datasets; assisting the Senior Research Associates with data processing and analysis and the creation of accessible GIS resources; assisting with preparation of publications. For a detailed description of tasks, please see the 'Further Particulars' document.

Applicants must hold a MSc/MA/MPhil or BA/BSc degree in archaeology, geography, ecology or a related field and have a broad familiarity with British archaeology and basic working knowledge of taxonomic nomenclature (e.g. through experience in handling environmental archaeological or ecological data). Excellent skills in MS Excel, excellent communication skills, including the ability to write good English text for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings and excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability of working efficiently in a diverse team, are essential. Experience of working with geospatial datasets using GIS (ideally QGIS), specialist knowledge of wetland archaeology and palaeoecology, understanding of the principles of conservation management, and experience in working with Historic Environment Record (HER) data are desirable.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 8 months in the first instance.

Starting date: 1st January 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

The deadline for applications is midnight on Friday, 1 December 2023.

Please quote reference JC39107 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to either Dr Rachel Ballantyne ([email protected]) or Dr Phil Stastney ([email protected]), co-leaders of the Fenscapes project.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, Cambridge

£29,605-£33,966

JC39107

Research

26 October 2023

1 December 2023