Research Assistant/Associate in Biomolecular Archaeology

Fixed-term: The funds for these posts are available for 18 months.

The McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research invites applications for a fixed-term Research Associate in Biomolecular Archaeology.

The post holder will work as part of the project "PPROTEX: Philological and Proteomic Analysis of Texts from the Reign of Alfonso X" funded by an APEX Award (Academies Partnership in Supporting Excellence in Cross-disciplinary research award). The project is led by Prof Aengus Ward (University of Birmingham) and Prof Matthew Collins (University of Cambridge) and supported by collaborator Dr Laura Vinas Caron (University of Copenhagen). PPROTEX is a 3-year cross-disciplinary project combining philology and biocodicology in the study of royal manuscripts from the reign of Alfonso X The project will apply biomolecular methods, including proteomics and genomics, to illuminate medieval parchment production and livestock management.

We seek a skilled and collaborative Postdoctoral Researcher to join the project. The post holder will lead the proteomics and genomics analysis of the manuscripts to investigate the species and sex of the animals used for producing parchment, as well as their genetic diversity, and ultimately explore the chemical damage suffered by the parchment during its production.

The main responsibilities will be: - Performing ZooMS analyses (MALDI-TOF MS) for species identification and estimation of deamidation levels - Using machine learning and statistical analyses of ZooMS data to identify groups of parchment from different production centres - Aiding in the generation and analysis of ancient genomic datasets - Integrating the results obtained from proteomics and genomics with philology, archaeology, history and other disciplines

Essential requirements include specialist knowledge in proteomics and/or animal genomic workflows, demonstrated experience in bioinformatics, programming (e.g. Python, R) and data analysis, and the ability to optimise biocodicological pipelines to handle big data. Previous experience of working within a collaborative environment and familiarity with analytical challenges in ancient proteins/aDNA research are also desirable. The post folder is expected to work with project collaborators at the University of Birmingham and the University of Copenhagen, with the main base at the McDonald Institute in Cambridge.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD, or an equivalent research doctorate. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once PhD has been awarded.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BAME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.

Starting date: January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Applications should be submitted online through the University's recruitment system and must include: - Completed application form - Curriculum vitae - Cover letter addressing the selection criteria - Contact details for two academic referees

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

The closing date for this post is midnight on Wednesday 19 November 2025

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Matthew Collins

Please quote reference JC47834 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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.