Research Assistant/Research Associate in Statistical Modelling in Archaeology (Fixed Term) in Cambridge

Research Assistant/Research Associate in Statistical Modelling in Archaeology (Fixed Term) in Cambridge

Cambridge Temporary 34380 - 42020 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Technical University of Denmark

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop Bayesian models for archaeological research.
  • Company: McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, part of the University of Cambridge.
  • Benefits: Fixed-term position with opportunities for travel and collaboration.
  • Other info: Work with an international team and enjoy excellent career development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on understanding prehistoric human demographics.
  • Qualifications: Experience in statistical modelling and a background in archaeology or related fields.

The predicted salary is between 34380 - 42020 £ per year.

The Mc Donald Institute for Archaeological Research invites applications for a fixed-term Research Assistant/Associate in Statistical Modelling in Archaeology.

The post holder will work as part of the ERC Synergy Project ''FORAGER - Investigating alternative trajectories for human demographic growth in temperate northern Holocene societies'', co-led by Prof.

Enrico R.

Crema (University of Cambridge), Prof.

Oliver Craig (University of York), Prof.

Peter Jordan (University of Lund), and Prof.

Anna-Marie Prentiss (University of Montana).

This is a unique opportunity to join an international and interdisciplinary team of over 30 scientists to study the causes and consequences of population booms and busts amongst prehistoric hunter-gatherers in Japan, the Baltic, the North-West Pacific Coast and the North-East Atlantic Coast of North America.

The post holder will work primarily at the Mc Donald Institute in Cambridge but is expected to participate to annual project team meetings as well as shorter research trips and conferences.

The Research Assistant/Associate in Statistical Modelling in Archaeology will work primarily on Work Package 1 Demography in close collaboration with Prof.

Crema, developing custom Bayesian models to reconstruct spatial and temporal variations in hunter-gatherer demography using a range proxies (e. g. 14C dates, residential, and skeletal data).

They are expected to work closely with other members of the Project in relevant areas (e. g. site-location modelling), in particular with Cambridge team members in the Zoology and Geography department.

Appointment at the Research Associate level is dependent on the award of a Ph D.

Those who have submitted but not yet received their Ph D will be appointed at the Research Assistant level-Grade 5, which will be amended to Research Associate-Grade 7, once the award of the Ph D has been conferred.

The role holder is expected to possess relevant research experience and strong statistical and computational literacy.

We are looking in particular for applicants with proven ability to develop custom Bayesian models for archaeological applications.

The post is suitable for researchers with a background in computational & quantitative archaeology, statistical science, or related disciplines, with an interest in prehistoric demography.

Starting date: 1st October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Interviews: Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an online interview to take place in the 1st week of September.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 5 years in the first instance.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Prof. Enrico Crema (erc62 cam. ac. uk).

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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Research Assistant/Research Associate in Statistical Modelling in Archaeology (Fixed Term) in Cambridge employer: Technical University of Denmark

The University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With the flexibility of hybrid working and generous leave entitlements, including 36 days off, staff are encouraged to maintain a healthy work-life balance while contributing to the academic success of students in the Faculty of History.

Technical University of Denmark

Contact Details:

Technical University of Denmark Recruitment Team

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We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant/Research Associate in Statistical Modelling in Archaeology (Fixed Term) in Cambridge

Statistical Modelling
Bayesian Modelling
Computational Literacy
Quantitative Analysis
Research Experience
Data Reconstruction
Proxies Analysis

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