Research Associate: Zooarchaeology

**Job Description**:
**Job Title**:Research Associate: Zooarchaeology

**Posting Start Date**:17/01/2025

**Job Id**:623

**School/Department**:Biosciences

**Work Arrangement**:Part Time (On site)

**Contract Type**:Fixed-term

**Salary per annum (£)**:37,999 pro rata

**Closing Date**:14/02/2025

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

**Overview**

We have an opportunity for a talented individual with an interest in the past-relationship between people and animals to join the group led by Prof Umberto Albarella, to research the evidence of menageries and zoos from archaeological sites. The project is funded through a private donation. It will mainly focus on the study of animal remains from archaeological sites, to investigate the effects of captivity on the animal body and determine the conditions in which the animals were kept.

You will have a PhD in Zooarchaeology or a related discipline (or equivalent experience) and be proficient in the analysis of animal bones and teeth from archaeological sites. Previous experience in recording zooarchaeological collections is essential. The project will include liaising with museums and heritage organisations to access animal bone collections and previous experience in this area is highly desirable. You must also be prepared to travel outside Sheffield to access collections. You will be able to contribute significantly to the ongoing research of the Sheffield Zooarchaeology Lab, by designing the project in all its details, analysing the data collected as part of the projects, and writing up a research paper that summarises the key findings. For these tasks, the ability to work independently is essential.

**Main duties and responsibilities**
- Develop the design of the project from its initial idea (including a recording protocol).
- Identify a few suitable case studies for the project and ensure access to the material.
- Collect and analyse data for the purpose of the project.
- Take a lead in writing up a paper (jointly with UA) for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.
- Disseminate research findings through seminars and conference presentations as long as funds allow.
- Maintain an accurate and complete record of your findings.
- Maintain a safe working environment, including ensuring compliance with legislation and undertaking of risk assessments.
- Work collegially with other research team members (and beyond).
- As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

**Person Specification**

Essential criteria
- A PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant area (Application)
- Experience in research design (Application/Interview)
- Ability to plan and conduct complex experimental analyses, and critically appraise experimental data objectively through statistical analysis (Application/Interview)
- Ability to manage time and prioritise workload effectively with the ability to develop creating solutions to problems (Application/Interview)
- Ability to work as part of a team with varied skills and experience and to maintain effective communication with team members and collaborators (Application/Interview)
- Attention to detail and a proven ability to keep accurate and reliable records (Application/Interview)
- Ability to present results orally and prepare papers for publication at a high standard (Application/Interview)
- Ability to work safely in a laboratory setting (Application/Interview)

Desirable criteria
- Experience in zooarchaeology methodology and data collection (Application/Interview)
- Experience in dealing with museum stores and access collections (Application/Interview)
- Experience in biometrical and palaeopathological analysis (Application/Interview)

**Further Information**

**Grade**:7

**Salary**:£37,999 per annum, pro rata

**Working Arrangement**: Part-time (50% FTE)

**Duration**: 1 May 2025 to 31 March 2026

**Line manager**:Chair in Archaeozoology**

**Direct reports**:None

**Next steps in the recruitment process**

**Our vision and strategic plan**

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**What we offer**
- A minimum of 41**days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible wor