PDRA: Analysis of Roman Burial Casings

Vacancy Reference Number

13834

Organisation:

University of York

Closing Date

10 Feb 2025

Salary

£36,924-£39,105

Address

University of York

Duration

12 months

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate in analytical chemistry to work on the UKRI-funded project “Seeing the Dead. New insights into Roman gypsum burials in Yorkshire”. This fixed-term position will be supervised by Dr Jackie Mosely in the Department of Chemistry with the post holder joining a large team of experts in diverse branches of archaeology, bioarchaeology, chemistry, biology, and digital heritage, and working closely with Prof. Andrew Beeby at Durham University.

Seeing the Dead investigates the funerary custom attested in Roman Yorkshire in the 3rd and 4th centuries CE of pouring liquid gypsum over the bodies of adults and children in stone or lead coffins prior to burial. The project will apply liquid chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry, and Raman spectroscopy to investigate several surviving gypsum casings and preserved sets of human remains to better understand the cultural, ritual, and practical implications of this funerary practice.

The Department of Chemistry at the University of York is one of the UK's leading Chemistry departments and we are renowned internationally for our research. This is combined with a commitment to teaching and outstanding student satisfaction, and we have been recognised consistently for our family-friendly policies and are proud of our Athena SWAN Gold Award. As a Department we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and across all staff groups. We promote good practice and a strong culture of equality in higher education.

Further Information

This position will suit a candidate with a background in analytical chemistry including chromatography, mass spectrometry and optical spectroscopy. The successful candidate will also be expected to provide expert guidance and training of researchers engaged in other projects in the Mosely group, and to contribute to the writing and publishing of high-quality manuscripts and disseminating the research at conferences.

Applications can be made at https://jobs.york.ac.uk/vacancy/postdoctoral-research-associate-mass-spectrometry-and-raman-spectroscopy-577168.html

Contact Details

For informal enquiries: Please contact Jackie Mosely at jackie.mosely@york.ac.uk

Applications can be made at https://jobs.york.ac.uk/vacancy/postdoctoral-research-associate-mass-spectrometry-and-raman-spectroscopy-577168.html