Oxford Archaeology (OA) is seeking applications from able, creative and energetic early-career researchers to operate as an environmental archaeology specialist and a core point of contact for nature conservation practitioners on a four-year UKRI-funded research project: ‘Rewilding’ later prehistory: Bronze and Iron Age ecologies from the perspective of the wild.
Post title: Post-doctoral researcher, ‘Rewilding’ project
Salary: £34,596 pa (OA spinal point 31)
Contract: 4-years fixed term
Location: Oxford
Closing date: Sunday 5 June 2022
Start date: Monday 1 August 2022
The ‘Rewilding’ project will trial a new mode of industry-led cross-sector research in exploring later prehistoric wildlife and its relevance to contemporary ecological debates. The current nature conservation concept of ‘rewilding’ will be recast in order to reveal the ‘wonder and enchantment’ (Monbiot 2013) of archaeological wildlife during the Bronze and Iron Ages – a key period in the transition from ‘wild’ to ‘farmed’ landscapes in Britain. Plant and animal remains data will be collated from diverse study areas – the Upper Thames Valley, the Fen Basin and Northumberland. An original multi-stranded toolkit will be developed for investigating archaeological wildlife, bringing together cutting-edge scientific methods and emerging interpretative ideas. By giving wildlife due analytical attention, a richer and more vibrant understanding of later prehistory will be built, offering a serious challenge to existing human-centred landscape histories, and a vital link to current ecological practices.
The post holder will work with lead investigator Dr Anwen Cooper, primarily as an environmental archaeology specialist and a key contact with contemporary wildlife practitioners. They will also assist in the management of the project. The role offers a unique chance for an early career researcher to work on a high-profile, interdisciplinary research project, led by Oxford Archaeology in partnership with the Universities of Oxford, Exeter and Toulouse, the Archaeology Data Service, Historic England and Knepp Estate rewilding hub. There will be opportunities for the researcher to hone varied academic skills in OA’s dynamic research environment, and, as a School of Archaeology Research Associate, to access University of Oxford training and human-environment research networks, and thus to join forces with a diverse set of specialists committed to addressing global environmental challenges.
The successful candidate will be based in Oxford but will have opportunities to undertake short placements with Historic England (Portsmouth) and potentially in other OA offices (in Cambridge and Lancaster).
OA has an international reputation as a leader in development-led archaeology, creating a vibrant research environment underpinned by a strong financial track record over 45 years, as well as outstanding regional business strengths and public engagement delivery. Encouraging intellectual engagement within the organisation and building bridges with academia are key strategic priorities (OA 2020-5).
Employee benefits:
- 25 days holiday plus up to 3 concessionary days at Christmas, and Bank Holidays
- OA offers a defined benefits pension scheme with Oxfordshire Local Government Pension Scheme
- Access to University of Oxford training and research networks
- Cycle to work scheme
Click here to see the full job description and here to see the project summary.
Click 'Apply Now' to complete an application form and submit your full academic CV (including publications and contact details for two referees) and a cover letter. Interviews are likely to be held in the week beginning 27 June 2022.
For further enquiries concerning the post, contact Dr Anwen Cooper: rewilding@oxfordarchaeology.com