Research Associate in Medieval Bioarcheology (ENDURE)

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Research Associate in Medieval Bioarchaeology (ENDURE)
School of History, Archaeology and Religion

The School of History, Archaeology and Religion is seeking to recruit a Research Associate in Medieval Bioarchaeology.

You will join the research project ‘Urban Life in a Time of Crisis: Enduring Urban Lifeways in Later Medieval England’ (ENDURE) led by Ben Jervis (Leicester), working with Richard Madgwick (Cardiff). ENDURE combines archaeological data and archaeological science to ask how urban lifeways were transformed by the 14th-15th century crises. Focussing on English small towns, ENDURE asks why some elements of everyday life persisted, whilst others were changed irreversibly. ENDURE applies a multi-scalar methodology to reconstructing urban lifeways (www.enduringurbanism.wordpress.com ).

The role entails the collation and analysis of a large dataset of zooarchaeological and isotopic data resulting from investigations in English medieval small towns. This will comprise a mixture of new analyses and the collation of data from published and unpublished zooarchaeological reports. In particular, you will undertake novel multi-isotope (Carbon, Nitrogen, Strontium Oxygen and Sulphur) analysis of faunal remains. The role requires visits to museums, archives and facilities across England.

You will have experience of undertaking zooarchaeological analysis, the preparation of samples for isotope analysis and analysis of isotopic data. Expertise in British later medieval archaeology is desirable, as are prior experience of working with large databases and links to heritage organisations. You should have (or be close to completion of) a PhD in a relevant subject area (or equivalent research experience). Applicants should also have excellent communication and IT skills, including the ability to present complex and specialist professional concepts clearly and confidently to others, using high-level skills and a range of media.

Salary: £39,347 – £44,263 per annum (Grade 6).  It is not anticipated that an appointment be made above Point 32, £39,347 per annum. 

This is a full time post, fixed term for 42 months.

Career Pathway: Research.

For informal enquiries regarding this post, please contact Dr Richard Madgwick ([email protected] )

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (including bank holidays), blended working (meaning you will be able to work from home for some of your time), a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments up the pay scale, and more. It is an exciting and vibrant place to work, with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.

Date advert posted: Friday, 1 March 2024

Closing Date: Friday, 22 March 2024

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff University

Job Description

Job Purpose

To conduct research within the field of bioarchaeology (zooarchaeology and isotope analysis) in relation to the ENDURE project and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research

• To conduct research within the field of bioarchaeology (zooarchaeology and isotope analysis) in relation to the ENDURE project and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions,   explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally  to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in archaeology or a related subject area or relevant industrial experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within at least one of the following research fields:

Zooarchaeology

Isotope analysis in archaeology

Experience of processing samples for isotope analysis and analysing resulting datasets

Experience of identifying faunal remains

Proven ability to publish in national/international journals and/or to produce professional standard reports

Competence in the use of computer software for archaeological analysis (including MS Office package) and the handling of statistical data (both primary and secondary).

Communication and Team Working

Proven ability in effective and persuasive written and oral communication

Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other

Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work

Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria

Research or professional experience relating to medieval England

Evidence of collaborations with industry (e.g. archaeological units, museums, local authority archaeologists, national heritage bodies).

Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

Additional Information

This is a fixed term post for 42 months, starting in April 2024.

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria

It is Cardiff University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for shortlisting. Therefore, candidates must evidence they meet ALL the essential criteria and, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process, you are asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure that the evidence you are providing corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined in the person specification. Your application will be considered based on the information you provide for each criterion. When attaching the supporting statement to your application profile, please ensure you name it with the vacancy reference number: 18234BR. Your application will be at risk of not being progressed if you do not evidence you have met all essential criteria. The school welcomes the submission of CVs to accompany evidence of the job-based criteria.

Job Category

Academic – Research