Laboratory Technician (Archaeology)

Role Description

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)

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork