Research Fellow, School of Natural and Built Environment

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 Mr, 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 approaches to constraining environmental and landscape chronologies for the period 1650-1960 CE and uses these to reconstruct demographic and agricultural change through bioarchaeological and 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-isotopic skillset to the project. They will both collate published bioarchaeological data and undertake multi-isotope analyses (C/N/Sr/O/H/Pb) of famine era human and animal remains from across Ireland. They will have expertise in dentine incremental analysis and an understanding of how isotopes can provide insights concerning physiological stress and diet, in addition to other relevant themes related to the palaeodemographic and socio-economic changes caused by the Famine. They will work closely with the project Co-Leads to deliver integrated biogeochemical work packages within the context of broader archaeological and archival work of the project.

The successful candidate will receive tailored training and mentorship as appropriate, and will have access to state-of-the-art facilities at QUB, including the 14CHRONO Centre ( and the Institute for Heritage and Environmental Science
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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 bioarchaeological 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 or be about to obtain a relevant PhD in Archaeological Science or closely cognate discipline (must be obtained within three months of appointment)
• Have specific, relevant* research experience to include:
  • An established expertise and proven portfolio in multi-isotope analyses (some of C, N, Sr, O, H, Pb).
  • Demonstrable experience in the collection, preparation and analysis of osteological materials.
  • Experience of conducting all stages of incremental dentine analysis.
  • Proven capacity to expand skillset to incorporate new and novel proxies and/or techniques.
  • 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.
  • Experience of archaeological fieldwork, sampling and archival assessment.

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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