Archaeobotanical analysis of samples from a Belizean tropical forest University of Exeter in United Kingdom

Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)

This UKRI funded post is available from 1st February 2025 to 31st January 2027 to support the work of Prof. Mark Robinson in relation to the Biodiversity and the Legacy of Anthropogenic Disturbance on Environments in the Neotropics project

We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.

The post

The successful applicant will conduct archaeobotanical (phytolith) analysis of samples from a Belizean tropical forest.

You will contribute to cross-disciplinary research integrating a range of state-of-the-art techniques in archaeology, archaeobotany, palaeoclimate, remote sensing, botany, and plant DNA to investigate the long-term human legacy on a tropical forest in Belize. The context ranges from initial peopling of the region in the Late Pleistocene, through agricultural adoption, the rise and fall of an ancient Maya centre, and the subsequent 1000 years of succession.

You will have a strong archaeobotany background to contribute to understanding changing landcover and human impact on the environment of Central America. Archaeobotanical laboratory training (especially phytolith) is highly essential. You will be responsible for writing up research for publication, liaising with the wider international project team, and presenting research at international and project meetings.

About you

You will:

• be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies
• possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study
• be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes
• be able to process, identify, graph, and interpret phytoliths (preferably from Neotropical contexts) and have an understanding of forest ecology

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• 41 days leave per year
• options for flexible working
• onsite gyms and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26wks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6wks full pay) and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

Further information

Before submitting an application, you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Prof. Mark Robinson, Department of Archaeology and History, l [email protected]