Research Associate in Historical Archaeology of Southern Africa

The McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research invites applications for a fixed-term Research Associate in Historical Archaeology of southern Africa. This is a fixed term appointment for 30 months. The post holder will work as part of the Frontiers Research Grant funded project ENTANGLED: Entangled materialities and new global histories from southern Africa led by Dr Abigail Moffett (University of Cambridge).

ENTANGLED is a five year (2024-2029) interdisciplinary project combining scientific analyses of a range of archaeological materials with historical and ethnographic research to address connections between southern Africa and the Indian Ocean World during the Global Middle Ages (500-1500 CE). The core team (the PI, two post-doctoral researchers, one doctoral student and the project coordinator) will be based at the University of Cambridge. The core team will work closely with a number of collaborators based in the UK and internationally, and the project will have a strong base in Mozambique, where much of the research will be carried out.

We seek a rigorous, creative and collaborative researcher who brings research skills in historical archaeology and interdisciplinary research, is familiar with the archaeology and history of southern and East Africa, thrives as part of a team, and is keen to contribute collectively to broader research agendas.

The post holder must have a PhD (or have submitted their thesis at the time of appointment).

The post holder is expected to work in multiple locations, with the main base at the McDonald Institute in Cambridge but also including research trips and data collection in Mozambique and other locations, including Portugal. Key responsibilities will include the documentation of trade routes in southern Africa using a combination of ethnographic, historical and archaeological research methods. The ability to work as part of a diverse team, sharing ideas and data, is essential.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 30 months.

Starting date: 27 May 2024 or as soon as possibly thereafter.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. Applicants from Africa are strongly encouraged.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter outlining relevant skills and fieldwork experience, and a recent writing sample (maximum 10,000 words) in the Upload section of the online application. Please also provide names and contact details of two referees in the Upload section of the online application who can be contacted to provide a reference.

The closing date for applications is Friday 15 March 2024.

Interviews will be held Monday 15 April 2024.

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Dr Abigail Moffett ([email protected] ) or the application process please contact HSPS HR ([email protected] )

Please quote reference JC40490 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Further information
Apply online