PDRA in Maritime Archaeology Data

The School of Archaeology is looking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) in Maritime Archaeology Data. The PDRA will gather, curate and standardise archaeological and paleoenvironmental data pertinent to the Mediterranean coast and seascape during the Late Bronze/Early Iron Age. This will involve querying existing databases such as CHELSA-Climate TRACE21K and the NOAA Palaeoclimate Application Program Interface (API). Additionally, you will be responsible for structuring new datasets on maritime elements, including wind and currents, categorized by seasons. This post is a fixed-term contract for 3 years. It is a full-time position.
Reporting to the Principal Investigator, you will work closely with the project team and incorporate their gathered information relating to the economic and agricultural hinterland of ports and coastal communities into the database. You will be familiar with GIS and develop and implement Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) code to simulate sailing scenarios and the intersection of seasonal movement of marine resources and the agricultural cycle before, during, and after a period of significant climate change. This code should be designed with the FAIR principles in mind to ensure the reusability and sustainability of the project outputs, facilitating future enhancements. You will also produce detailed maps as required for analytical purposes and to illustrate research outputs. You will present papers on behalf of the project at international conferences and workshops organised by the project, as required. You will participate in project fieldwork.

The post holder should hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in archaeology, or a related field, together with relevant experience in agent-based analysis in maritime archaeology and / or GIS. You will be proficient in R or Python for data analysis and model development. You will have experience in spatial analysis techniques including spatial networks and map algebra, alongside competent skills in analysing temporal data series. You will also have experience in creating and managing Linked Open Data resources and experience of sourcing, reprocessing, and analysis of spatial and environmental data. You will have the ability to manage your own academic research and contribute ideas for new research projects. You will also have excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publications and present research proposals and results.