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- Tasks: Join our team to support exciting culinary archaeology projects and conduct lab analyses.
- Company: Be part of the University of York's top-ranked Archaeology Department, known for its vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment with a focus on wellbeing and professional growth.
- Why this job: Contribute to impactful research while exploring ancient culinary practices and food security solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in lab settings and knowledge of archaeological food science is preferred but not essential.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term, full-time role for 2 years with a collaborative team.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Department
The Department of Archaeology at the University of York is ranked 26th 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
This fixed term, 2-year full time Grade 4 appointment will work across two projects in the Department of Archaeology, one attached to BioArCh and one attached to the Heritage for Global Challenges Research Centre. We are seeking a technician to support two projects on culinary archaeology: \”Unlocking culinary records from prehistoric Britain through the analysis of charred food remains\” (AHRC-funded), which will explore culinary patterns across the Neolithic and Bronze age Britain, and \”Climate change mitigation strategies for food security in northeast India\” (Australian Research Council Discovery-funded), which will investigate deep time culinary trends in NE-India in order to propose contemporary food security recommendations. Both projects will explore questions of culinary practices in the past, generating data from lipid residues on ceramics and food crusts, and investigating the plant contribution to diet through palaeobotanical techniques (SEM, starch and phytolith analysis). The successful applicant will work closely with project team members, Dr Lara Gonzalez Carretero (line manager), Dr Hayley Saul and Professor Oliver Craig. Applicants with competencies in the use of laboratories for bioarchaeological research, including where possible specific experience of lipid residue analysis, starch and phytolith analysis and microscope work, are invited to apply.
Skills, Experience & Qualification needed
- An Undergraduate degree in an area relevant to Bioarchaeology, Archaeology or cognate disciplines is desirable but not essential.
- Experience of working in a laboratory setting and conducting research activities according to approved Health and Safety protocols
- Experience of generating a range of bioarchaeological data to timely deadlines
- Knowledge of methods of archaeological food science, with experience of lipid residue analysis, plant microscopy where possible
- A collaborative ethos, commitment to accountable research and promoting the public understanding of research and scholarship.
- A positive and accountable attitude, a willingness to work proactively with colleagues in other areas/institutions, and the ability to plan and prioritise workloads to meet deadlines.
- Experience of maintaining organised data records in spreadsheet format across multiple projects.
Interview date: 20th October 2025
For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Lara Gonzalez Carretero (lara.gonzalezcarretero@york.ac.uk) or Dr Hayley Saul (hayley.saul@york.ac.uk) #J-18808-Ljbffr
Laboratory Technician (Archaeology) employer: University of York
Contact Detail:
University of York Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Technician (Archaeology)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific projects mentioned in the job description. Understanding the details of the culinary archaeology projects will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during networking or interviews, showcasing your genuine interest and knowledge.
✨Tip Number 2
Connect with current or former staff and students from the Department of Archaeology at the University of York. They can provide insights into the department's culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying and during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant laboratory experience you have, especially in bioarchaeological research. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques like lipid residue analysis or plant microscopy, as these are crucial for the role and will demonstrate your hands-on expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative skills by providing examples of past teamwork experiences. The role emphasises a collaborative ethos, so demonstrating your ability to work well with others will be key in making a strong impression during the selection process.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Technician (Archaeology)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the specific skills and experiences required for the Laboratory Technician position. Highlight your relevant laboratory experience and knowledge of archaeological food science in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the competencies mentioned in the job description. Emphasise any experience you have with lipid residue analysis, starch and phytolith analysis, and your familiarity with health and safety protocols in a lab setting.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for archaeology and your collaborative ethos. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to work proactively and meet deadlines.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any errors or inconsistencies. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of York
✨Showcase Your Laboratory Experience
Make sure to highlight any relevant laboratory experience you have, especially in bioarchaeology. Discuss specific techniques you've used, such as lipid residue analysis or plant microscopy, and how they relate to the projects you'll be working on.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
The Department values a collaborative ethos, so be prepared to discuss examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Share experiences where you contributed to group projects or supported colleagues in achieving common goals.
✨Emphasise Your Organisational Skills
Since maintaining organised data records is crucial for this role, be ready to talk about your methods for keeping track of data across multiple projects. Mention any tools or software you use to manage your workload efficiently.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the Department's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a supportive and empowering environment for both staff and students.
