Research Associate: Only the Scatters Remain - Leverhulme Project

University of Leicester; Leicester; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Excellent pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Career development opportunities

Job summary

University of Leicester invites applications for a Research Associate skilled in luminescence dating and geochronology to support a Leverhulme Trust project on desert lithic scatters in the Karoo. You will lead luminescence sample preparation and analysis, collaborate across archaeology, geomorphology and geochronology, and undertake fieldwork in remote desert environments.

The role is a fixed-term, full-time contract from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2029, based at Leicester with potential for

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in archaeology/geoscience.
• Practical experience with luminescence dating and theory.
• Publications or technical outputs evidencing analytical ability.

Responsibilities

• Lead luminescence sample preparation and analysis.
• Collaborate with archaeologists, geomorphologists and geochronologists.
• Undertake fieldwork in the Karoo Desert and manage budgeting.

Skills

Luminescence dating

Geochronology

Fieldwork planning

Data analysis

Education

PhD or equivalent experience

Tools

Luminescence instrumentation

Job description

Vacancy terms: Full-time or job share, fixed term contract from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2029

Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

We are seeking a Research Associate with expertise in luminescence dating methods and geochronology to support the Leverhulme Trust-funded project, Only the scatters remain: a new approach to surface archaeology in deserts. This interdisciplinary project aims to understand the processes that preserve or erode surficial scatters of stone tools (lithics) in desert environments. By developing and testing new approaches for the rapid evaluation and interpretation of lithic scatters in the field, the project will help identify sites most suitable for detailed analysis and dating, bringing together archaeologists, geomorphologists and geochronologists to apply this work in the Karoo Desert of South Africa.

Based at the University of Leicester, you will lead luminescence sample preparation and analysis, contributing directly to the development and application of innovative approaches to understanding landscape stability, geomorphic processes and the chronology of desert land surfaces. You will work closely with colleagues across disciplines and undertake fieldwork in the interior Karoo Desert, supporting research that seeks to better understand human occupation and movement through challenging desert environments in the deep past.

About you

You will hold a PhD, an equivalent professional qualification or equivalent experience in an appropriate discipline. You will have practical experience of luminescence dating methods, a strong understanding of the underlying theory and expertise in relevant analytical approaches. Evidence of contributing to peer-reviewed publications or equivalent technical outputs, together with proven analytical and problem-solving capabilities, is essential.

You will bring field experience in geological, geographical or archaeological research and be willing and able to undertake extended periods of overseas fieldwork. An excellent communicator, you will be able to explain complex information clearly, work effectively both independently and collaboratively, and engage confidently with internal and external stakeholders. Experience of fieldwork in relatively remote locations and budget management would be advantageous.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and can be made to Dr Andrew Carr on [e-mail].

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you will become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We are committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond.

• We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Advert closes midnight on: 26 October 2026

£40,704 per annum due to external funding restrictions, pro-rata if part-time. Grade 7