[Funding for 3.5 years, stipend (£20,780 p.a) and international fees via Horizon Europe, Synergy grant 'Ecological Archaeologies of the Afrotropics (EcoArch)', project 101224871.]

This PhD studentship at the University of Reading offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the Holocene climates of Africa using pollen-based reconstructions. The project, titled 'Pollen-based reconstruction of Holocene climates of Africa during the Holocene,' aims to apply advanced statistical approaches to pollen records from lake and bog sediments, providing a comprehensive analysis of climate-driven vegetation changes across the continent over the past 12,000 years. By reconstructing climate changes at high temporal resolution, the research will explore how these shifts have impacted vegetation productivity and the human resource base, potentially offering explanations for the adoption of agriculture in Africa.

The successful candidate will join the SPECIAL group, an interdisciplinary research team within Geography and Environmental Science at the University of Reading. The PhD is funded through the Horizon Europe grant for the project 'Ecological Archaeologies of the Afrotropics (EcoArch),' and the student will have opportunities to collaborate with researchers at the University of Oslo, Penn State University, and research centres across Africa. While the project is primarily computational, there may be chances to participate in EcoArch fieldwork activities, broadening the research experience.

Applicants should have a strong academic background, holding at least a UK Upper Second (2:1) bachelor’s degree or equivalent, or a master’s degree in environmental sciences or a closely related discipline. Essential skills include quantitative analysis, programming proficiency in R and Python, familiarity with palaeoenvironmental data, and a keen interest in environmental modelling for real-world applications. The position is open to students worldwide, and standard eligibility and funding criteria apply.

Funding is available for 3.5 years, covering a stipend of £20,780 per annum and international fees, supported by the Horizon Europe Synergy grant 'Ecological Archaeologies of the Afrotropics (EcoArch),' project 101224871. The application deadline is 15 March 2026. To apply, candidates should use the provided application link, create an account, and quote the reference ‘DRC26-006’ in the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box within the Funding Section. If prompted for a research proposal, applicants should paste in the project title and proceed. For further enquiries, contact Dr. Sandy P. Harrison at [email protected]. Successful candidates will receive a formal studentship award letter, separate from any Offer of Admission, subject to standard eligibility checks.