Technical Specialist in Organic Residue Analysis

Role Description

Department

The Department of Archaeology at the University of York is ranked 25th in the world in the QS rankings. Our vibrant community consists of over 100 staff and over 600 UK and international students . We provide international, impact-oriented and interdisciplinary teaching and research of the highest quality and have a 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 central to a collegial environment in which staff and students feel supported and valued. 

BioArCh is a research facility within the Department with internationally recognised strengths in the analysis of human, animal and plant remains and molecular techniques — proteins, lipids, DNA and stable isotopes. BioArCh is a vibrant inter-disciplinary research community and participates in a wide range of large international research projects . The facility  is a national node for the UK's Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science and houses multiple instruments for organic residue analysis, including GC, GCMS and GCCIRMS. 

Role

BioArCh is seeking to appoint a Grade 6 Technical Specialist on an open basis to support Organic Residue Analysis (ORA). The successful candidate will join a dynamic research community of academic staff, researchers, and post-graduate students, working at the forefront of archaeological science. As a technical specialist in ORA, you will play a leading role in the preparation and analysis of archaeological materials and the innovation and implementation of new analytical approaches. You will be embedded in our  experienced technical team and benefit from the vibrant research culture that underpins all activities in BioArCh.  The role will include laboratory, analytical, and training duties, contributing directly to high-quality research outputs relating to a range of international research projects. The post holder will ensure the smooth running of laboratories and instrumentation, oversee sample preparation and data generation, train users in laboratory methods, and maintain rigorous standards of quality control, documentation, and safety. 

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• Demonstrable experience in the routine operation and troubleshooting of chromatography and mass spectrometry equipment, applied to biological, environmental, or archaeological samples. (Essential)

• Significant experience in undertaking organic residue analysis of biological, environmental, or archaeological samples. (Desirable)

• Proven ability to plan, monitor, and manage laboratory operations to optimise instrument access and maintain high analytical throughput in a dynamic research environment. (Essential)

• Working knowledge of specialist analytical software such as MassHunter, Qtegra, or equivalent. (Essential)

• Strong data analysis skills, with the ability to gather, interpret, and present complex datasets for research reporting and publication. (Essential)

Interview date: To be confirmed, in the week commencing 15 June 2026

For informal enquiries: Richard Hagan, Sr. Technical Manager at richard.hagan@york.ac.uk and Oliver Craig, Director of BioArCh oliver.craig@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

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.