Research Associate (Osteology)

Role

Age-Old Stories: Increasing the Visibility of Older Adults Past and Present is a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship funded research project based at the Department of Archaeology at the University of York. The project is applying a combination of scientific and humanities approaches to the analysis of older adults (45+ years) in prehistoric and Roman communities across Europe (c. 8000 BC – AD 400). It draws together osteological, biomolecular, histological and isotopic analysis, AMS dating and funerary archaeology to refine age-at-death estimates for older adults and examine their diet, health and social status in a range of socio-economic contexts.

We are seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in human osteoarchaeology to join the project. This role will trial emerging osteological ageing techniques (such as Transition Analysis 3) and conduct palaeopathological analysis on human skeletal material to explore the possibility for refining age-at-death estimates in older adults and examining evidence for their associated health profiles.

The PDRA will work with Dr Lindsey Büster (FLF and Project Lead) at the University of York, but will also work closely with the wider project team based at the University of York, project partners York Museums Trust and other curatorial stakeholders across the study areas.

The successful candidate will have a strong track record in human osteoarchaeology and will be responsible for significant aspects of this element of the project, whilst contributing as a team member to the wider research programme. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to publication and dissemination, including presenting at conferences, working with commercial archaeological units and museum partners, and sharing results with the public.

This is a fixed-term contract for up to 39 months.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

PhD in human osteoarchaeology or equivalent experience
Knowledge of human osteology and palaeopathology to engage in high quality research
Experience of osteological ageing methods such as Transition Analysis
Experience in writing scientific reports to publication standard in international journals
Ability to work as part of a team and also independently using own initiative

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Lindsey Büster on lindsey.buster@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

More infos here