Postdoctoral Research Associate (Mass Spectrometry and Raman Spectroscopy)

Role Description

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate in analytical chemistry to work on the UKRI-funded project “Seeing the Dead. New insights into Roman gypsum burials in Yorkshire”. This fixed-term position will be supervised by Dr Jackie Mosely in the Department of Chemistry with the post holder joining a large team of experts in diverse branches of archaeology, bioarchaeology, chemistry, biology, and digital heritage.

Seeing the Dead investigates the funerary custom attested in Roman Yorkshire in the 3rd and 4th centuries CE of pouring liquid gypsum over the bodies of adults and children in stone or lead coffins prior to burial. The project will apply liquid chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry, and Raman spectroscopy to investigate several surviving gypsum casings and preserved sets of human remains to better understand the cultural, ritual, and practical implications of this funerary practice. 

The Department of Chemistry at the University of York is one of the UK's leading Chemistry departments and we are renowned internationally for our research. This is combined with a commitment to teaching and outstanding student satisfaction, and we have been recognised consistently for our family-friendly policies and are proud of our Athena SWAN Gold Award. As a Department we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and across all staff groups. We promote good practice and a strong culture of equality in higher education.

Role

This position will suit a candidate with a background in analytical chemistry including chromatography, mass spectrometry and optical spectroscopy. The successful candidate will also be expected to provide expert guidance and training of researchers engaged in other projects in the Mosely group, and to contribute to the writing and publishing of high-quality manuscripts and disseminating the research at conferences. 

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• Undergraduate degree in chemistry or related subject
• PhD in chemistry
• Knowledge of chromatography with mass spectrometry to engage in high-quality research
• Knowledge of optical spectroscopy to engage in high-quality research
• Knowledge of a range of research techniques and methodologies within the chemical sciences
• Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide-ranging audience, both orally and in writing, using a range of media
• Ability to write up research work for publication in high profile journals
• Competency to conduct individual and collaborative research projects
• Competency to make presentations at conferences or exhibit work in other appropriate events
• Ability to work as part of a team and to work independently using own initiative

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: Please contact Jackie Mosely at jackie.mosely@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