Lead researcher: Dr Ellen Hambleton
Faculty: Faculty of Science and Technology
Cluster, centre, institute: Archaeology
URA position title: Assistant Zooarchaeologist
Relevant disciplines:
BSc Archaeology
BA Prehistoric & Roman Archaeology
BSc Archaeological, Anthropological and Forensic Sciences
BA Archaeology and Anthropology
Description of the position: An assistant zooarchaeologist (animal bones specialist) is required to
support analysis of the nationally important animal bone assemblage from the Durotriges Project
‘Big Dig’, to assist in the curation of the department’s zooarchaeological reference collection, and to
undertake bibliographic research in support of other zooarchaeological projects.
The post holder will work c.3days per week with Dr Ellen Hambleton undertaking identification and
recording of animal bones to professional standard. There will be initial training in the use of a
specialist bone database, and on-going training and mentoring will be provided to develop your
skills in relevant zooarchaeological techniques, including species and element identification, and the
collection of supporting ageing, metrical, butchery and preservation data. The remaining c.2 days
per week will include repair and curation of reference specimens, and bibliographic research.
The postholder will be joining the multidisciplinary ‘Big Dig’ research team led by Dr Miles Russell,
and as part of your zooarchaeological post you will have the opportunity to work with the excavation
archive and help co-ordinate the work of project volunteers.
Students already committed to the Big Dig excavations in June 2015 may still apply
Explain how this position will enhance and enrich the student's undergraduate experience and
how it relates to the relevant courses/disciplines and/or future career of the student: This is a
great opportunity for a student to gain first-hand experience of the role of a post-excavation
specialist. They will gain industry relevant skills at an advanced level, highly valued by archaeological
employers. Working as a member of a large research excavation project will enhance understanding
and experience of practical, fieldwork, and theoretical components of their UG programme, and
provide opportunities to contribute to publishable research output. Working with MSc
Osteoarchaeology and UG student volunteers will help develop aspiration for PG study and provide
understanding of one of the next steps they could take in the development of their future career.
The knowledge of data management and use of databases gained is a desirable transferable skill, as
well as something that will undoubtedly support their final year independent research project. The
time spent engaged in hands-on work with animal bones will greatly enhance and develop practical
skills well beyond those a student could normally expect to gain from within the taught component
of their UG course. The position will build confidence and competence in students by providing them
with desirable specialist industry appropriate skills as well as wider life skills, and adding relevant
professional paid employment to their CV.
How will the position be supervised and mentored: The position will be supervised by Dr Ellen
Hambleton, who will provide on-the job training by working alongside the postholder in the initial
stages, and providing weekly training and mentoring for the duration of the post.
The postholder will also benefit from additional informal mentoring and training from academics and
PGR and Masters students who share the laboratory facilities in which the student will be spending
most of their time. There is a strong and vibrant zooarchaeological research community within the
Archaeology, Anthropology and Forensic Science department, including a reader, associate
professor, two senior lecturers, and a post-doctoral researcher as well as PGRs and PGT students.
This provides an unparalled opportunity for the UG postholder to immerse themselves in this
community, establishing a strong network of knowledge and support.
Similarly, the postholder will also have informal training opportunities with other members of the
Durotriges Project team to support their work on the excavation contextual archive. The postholder
will have opportunities to widen their portfolio of experience as they will be invited to engage in any
outreach activities that take place while they are in post.
List of duties and responsibilities of the position: The post holder will be required to work closely
with their academic supervisor to assist in the identification of animal bones, and to take
responsibility for their subsequent detailed recording to a professional standard on an MSAccess
database. The post holder will be expected to learn and develop their zooarchaeological skills over
time and be able to increase their level of independent working as they progress.
The postholder will be required to help curate the animal bone reference collection – this will
include cleaning, repairing and organising of specimens.
One of the responsibilities of the postholder will be to take a leading role in the recruitment and coordination of a team of PGT and UG volunteers to support the processing of animal bones and other
artefacts.
Additional duties will include supporting bibliographic research in support of new projects, and
working with the existing Durotriges project contextual archive, requiring them to become familiar
with the on-site paper recording scheme, and use of digital archives of excavation plans and
photographs.
List the position qualifications including any special requirements (be specific): Knowledge of
animal and/or human skeletal anatomy and is essential (for example, students should have
undertaken taught units that include hands-on experience of working with skeletal remains.
Relevant experience gained on external courses or work placements will also be accepted).
Some knowledge of and experience working with MS Access databases is desirable (but not
essential, as training will be provided), Some knowledge of or experience working with excavation
contextual records and paper archives.