Palaeoecology Research Fellow; Ecologies of Governance

Overview

Palaeoecology Research Fellow (Ecologies of Governance)

The Ecologies of Governance project interrogates the emergence of inequality and the economic basis of rulership in early medieval, kin-based societies by undertaking multi-proxy and comparative analyses of the environment and agrarian regimes of some of the major and iconic royal landscapes of first millennium AD Britain and Ireland.

This Research Fellow will be a highly productive, ambitious and collaborative member of the Ecologies of Governance team, based in Archaeology and Palaeoecology at Queen's University Belfast and collaborating with teams based at Newcastle University and Cardiff University. They will carry out field work and analysis for case study royal landscapes that form the focus of the project, with primary responsibility for performing multi-proxy palaeoecological analysis, including palynology, diatoms, XRF and isotopic analysis, to detail wider ecological contexts and effects of regimes of exploitation.

The successful candidate will have multi-proxy expertise cross-cutting these areas, while additionally, candidates with knowledge or expertise in biomarkers and/or metagenomics are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will benefit from bespoke training and mentorship as appropriate, as well as state-of-the-art facilities including the 14

CHRONO Centre and the Institute for Heritage and Environmental Science at QUB.

Successful applicants will have responsibilities in independent and directed research, supervision of technical analysis, assisting in the planning and day-to-day management of palaeoecological work packages, related collaboration and outreach.

• A relevant PhD in Archaeology or closely cognate discipline.
• Key relevant experience as follows is essential:
  • An established expertise and proven portfolio in multi-proxy palaeoecology research.
  • Technical expertise in identification, sampling and analysis of XRF, Pollen, NPP, plant macrofossil and isotope data.
  • Post-doctoral research experience in archaeological or environmental science.
  • Proven ability to publish in national/international journals (commensurate with stage of career).
  • Working effectively as part of a research team in the development and promotion of research project results.

Please refer to the Candidate Information below for the full list of essential and desirable criteria. 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.

This post is available for 30 months or to 31 October 2028, whichever is soonest. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more at

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