Postdoctoral Research Associate

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- Information Page The Role and Department Durham University's Department of Archaeology is one of the UK's best Departments of Archaeology with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students.
We are regularly ranked one of the top three Archaeology departments in the UK (e.g.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024) and one of the top ten globally (World University QS rankings 2024).
Our expertise covers a broad chronological and geographical span, from the Palaeolithic to the present-day, and from South Asia to the Mediterranean, Europe and the British and Irish Isles, including a strong suite of research projects in the Middle East.
For further information on our current projects, research and teaching see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/archaeology/.
The Role The Department of Archaeology at Durham University seeks to appoint a talented researcher to the role of Postdoctoral Research Associate.
The successful candidate will have expertise in bioarchaeology, excavation of human remains, and particular experience in the analysis of non-adults.
You will be responsible for developing a digital resource package for upskilling archaeological and forensic science professionals in the analysis of non-adult skeletal remains from archaeological and forensic contexts.
These resources will contribute towards the Continuing Professional Development of relevant practitioners.
The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute towards the delivery of an in-person CPD short course on this topic.
The project is led by Professor Rebecca Gowland and Dr Claire Hodson.
Some example wording is below: Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in [subject] with a particular emphasis on [insert further detail].
The research project [insert details about the project, e.g.
who is leading, what its aims are].
The successful applicant will be expected to [insert details about the role, what is required etc.]
Key responsibilities: To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc.
and by attending relevant training and development courses.
[Any other specific responsibilities].
This post is fixed term for 4 months at 0.4 (2 days per week) as the project is time-limited.
The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague.
Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.
Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1st February 2025 Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: • 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 42 days per year.
• The University closes between Christmas and New Year - please include or delete if not applicable.
• We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.
We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
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There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.
All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community • Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
• If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools.
If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.
Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.
Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key component of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do.
We also live by our Purpose and Values and our Staff Code of Conduct.
At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.
It's important to us that all colleagues undertake activities that are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.
We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under-represented in our work force, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups.
If you have taken a career break or periods of leave that may have impacted on the volume and recency of your research outputs and other activities, such as maternity, adoption or parental leave, you may wish to disclose this in your application.
The selection committee will take this into account when evaluating your application.
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If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.
We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.
Contact Information Department contact for academic-related enquiries Professor Rebecca Gowland (Project Principal Investigator): ****** Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email.
Please send your name along with abrief description of the problem you're experiencing ****** Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK.
This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time.
We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).
University contact for general queries about the recruitment process ****** How to Apply To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below.
It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.
While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.
Submitting your application We prefer to receive applications online.
We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system.
Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.
What to Submit All applicants are asked to submit: a CV and cover letter which details your experience, skills, and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria set out below.
Next Steps Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department.
The assessment for the post will normally include an interview around Dec 15th.
In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date.
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data.
We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.
Person Specification Essential Criteria: Qualifications A good first degree in Archaeology or related subject.
A PhD (or be close to submission) in Bioarchaeology or Forensic Anthropology Experience Experience in conducting high quality academic research.
Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.
Demonstrable ability to present research papers at national and international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
Experience in excavating and analysing human skeletal remains, including non-adults.
Skills Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Desirable Criteria E xperience Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.
Skills Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.