PhD Studentship in Geoarchaeology of Medieval Agro-Pastoralist Systems University of Reading in United Kingdom

[Funding covers tuition fees plus UKRI stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26). 3 year award. Starts 19 January 2026 (flexible, subject to agreement).]

This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of Reading offers an exciting opportunity to investigate agro-pastoralist systems during the Medieval “Green Revolution” and their relevance to future agricultural practices. The project is part of the MEDGREENREV ERC-Synergy initiative, providing the successful candidate with experience in a multi-disciplinary, international research team. Supervised by Dr Rowena Banerjea (Archaeology), Dr Alice Mauchline (Agriculture, Policy and Development), and Professor Aleks Pluskowski (Archaeology), the research will focus on the complex relationships between pastoralism, cultivation, manuring, geology, and field systems in Iberia and North Africa from the 6th to 16th centuries.

Geoarchaeology is central to this project, employing microanalytical and physio-chemical techniques to analyze soils and sediments as palaeoenvironmental archives. The research aims to reconstruct historic land use, settlement patterns, and landscape changes, considering religious and climatic influences. Outcomes will include a timeline and regional map, as well as an assessment of how geoarchaeological data can inform sustainable and resilient agricultural approaches, such as livestock-centred agroforestry, regenerative practices, and climate change mitigation strategies.

The position involves intensive laboratory work (soil micromorphology thin sections, geochemical and sediment characterization) and 2-3 months of fieldwork in Mediterranean environments, including sample collection and coring. The project is transdisciplinary, addressing key topics within the University of Reading’s Agrifood Futures research strategy. Applicants will gain valuable field, laboratory, and analytical experience, with knowledge of Spanish language considered advantageous.

Eligibility requires a minimum of a 2:1 bachelor’s degree or equivalent in archaeology, environmental science, or a closely related discipline. International applicants must meet the university’s English language requirements. The studentship covers tuition fees and a UKRI stipend of £20,780 for 2025/26, with a flexible start date from 19 January 2026 and a three-year duration.

To apply, use the provided application link, create an account, and follow the instructions sent by email. Select the PhD in Archaeology, quote reference ‘DRC25-137’ in the Scholarships section, and paste the project title instead of submitting a research proposal. The application deadline is 18 December 2025. For further enquiries, contact Dr Rowena Banerjea at [email protected]. Successful candidates will receive a formal studentship award letter, subject to eligibility checks.