Research Associate

**Department**:
The Department of Archaeology at York is recognised internationally as a leading institution for archaeological research tackling global issues that are both important and challenging. Our core strengths in human evolution and prehistory, Roman, medieval, historical and field archaeology are complemented by our specialisms in bioarchaeology, digital archaeology, African archaeology, buildings conservation and heritage, and experimental archaeology and artefact studies. We are proud of our Athena Swan Bronze Award and strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, flourish, and excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture across all staff groups and levels. We promote good practice and a strong culture of equality in higher education.

We are seeking to appoint a postdoctoral fellow to be responsible for the investigation, curation, and creative reuse of the historic archive of the Avebury UNESCO World Heritage site under the direction of Dr Colleen Morgan. The postdoctoral fellow may come from archaeology, history, cultural geography, library sciences or other arts or humanities backgrounds with relevant experience in transformative approaches to archives.
The postholder will be part of the thriving community of digital archaeology and heritage researchers and will be associated with the Digital Archaeology and Heritage Lab (DAH Lab), based in the King’s Manor.
The role is funded by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council under the project, “The Avebury Papers: digitisation, exploration and creative re-use of a uniquely important archaeological archive.” This 4-year project is led by Professor Mark Gillings and Dr. Colleen Morgan at the Universities of Bournemouth and York, and in partnership with the National Trust and the Archaeology Data Service.

**Role**:
This 3-year postdoctoral post will be based in York, with periodic secondments at Avebury. The postholder will be expected to partner with the National Trust to digitise the full archive of 20th century excavation and fieldwork carried out at the Avebury henge component of the Stonehenge & Avebury World Heritage Site (WHS) and collaborate with Dr Morgan and the Archaeology Data Service to create a definitive, open and accessible research resource upon which future studies of Avebury can build. The postholder may need to help to coordinate with volunteers, hold workshops and game jams, and assist artists as they interact with the archive. The postholder will collaborate with Dr Morgan to explore a new kind of digital archive that reflects and embodies the richness of the documentary and material records by integrating the creative, artistic and biographical elements of Avebury’s history. Additionally, the postholder will contribute toward creating toolboxes and pathways for entering and exploring the digital archive.

**Skills, Experience & Qualification needed**:

- First degree and PhD in Archaeology, History, Cultural Geography, Library Sciences or related.
- Expertise in research using historical or archaeological materials
- Experience of writing up research work for publication
- Highly developed communication skills to engage with a wide-ranging audience, both orally and in writing, using a range of media
- Expertise in public outreach and communication is desirable
- Expertise in multimedia and digital technology is desirable

**Interview date**: To be confirmed

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