Research Associate (aDNA / Bioinformatics)

Department

The Department of Archaeology at the University of York is ranked 25th in the world and 5th in the UK in the QS rankings. Our vibrant, diverse and international community consists of over 100 staff and about 600 students. We carry out international, impact-oriented and interdisciplinary teaching and research of the highest quality through our strong network of partnerships. The student experience is of paramount importance to the Department and we maintain a high level of student satisfaction. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values and we promote a collegial environment in which staff and students feel supported and empowered to achieve their full potential. We are proud of our Athena Swan Silver Award and strive to provide a working environment which facilitates wellbeing and allows all staff and students to contribute fully, flourish, and excel. We aim for a sustainable future.

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 bioinformatics and/or human DNA analysis to join the project. This role will trial novel aDNA approaches to explore the possibility for refining age-at-death estimates in older adults.

The PDRA will work with Dr Lindsey Büster (FLF and Project Lead) and 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 bioinformatics and/or ancient DNA analysis 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 ancient DNA analysis, bioinformatics, genetics, biochemistry and/or a relevant field of archaeological science or equivalent experience
• Knowledge in the field of genomics sufficient to engage in high quality research
• Experience of processing complex datasets with discipline-specific software
• 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