The University of Cambridge is inviting applications for a PhD Studentship in Archaeobotany of the Zambezi Valley within its Department of Archaeology. The successful candidate will investigate plant use, agricultural practices and landscape change in South-Central Africa as part of the ERC-funded ZAMBEZI project. Based at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, the three-year studentship starts in April 2027 and provides a stipend covering maintenance and university fees.
Position Details
- Position: PhD Studentship in Archaeobotany of the Zambezi Valley
- Official Reference Number: JD51582
- Institution: University of Cambridge, UK
- Department: Department of Archaeology
- Research Disciplines: Archaeobotany, Archaeology, Environmental Archaeology
- Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Job Type: PhD Studentship
- Contract Duration: 3 years
- Start Date: April 2027
- Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
- Salary/Funding: Stipend covering maintenance and university fees
- Required Qualification: Must meet the University of Cambridge’s admission requirements for a PhD in Archaeology
About the Position
The studentship is part of Zambezian Entanglements in the South-Central African Iron Age (ZAMBEZI), a five-year project funded by a European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant. The project explores the archaeology of Zambia and Zimbabwe, with new excavations at Ingombe Ilede in Zambia and research at nearby archaeological sites.
The successful candidate will work with an international research team, including the National Museum of Zambia. The research will explore how people used plants, practised agriculture and shaped their landscapes in South-Central Africa during the second millennium.
The PhD researcher will be based at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research at the University of Cambridge, with joint supervision from Dr Alexander Weide and Professor Stephanie Wynne-Jones.
Research Areas
- Archaeobotany
- South-Central African Iron Age Archaeology
- Environmental Archaeology
- Plant Use and Agricultural Practices
- Landscape Change
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the University of Cambridge’s admission requirements for the PhD in Archaeology.
Candidates should:
- Have an academic background suitable for doctoral research in Archaeology.
- Be familiar with the archaeology of South-Central Africa.
- Demonstrate an interest in plant use, agricultural practices and landscape change.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will undertake research on plant use, agricultural practices and landscape change in the Zambezi Valley. Key research activities include:
- Investigating archaeobotanical evidence from archaeological excavations.
- Working with flotation materials from Ingombe Ilede and neighbouring sites.
- Examining evidence relating to historical plant use and agricultural practices.
- Contributing to the wider research objectives of the ZAMBEZI project.
Salary and Benefits
The three-year studentship provides a stipend covering maintenance and university fees.
Additional financial support includes:
- Immigration Health Surcharge and visa fees for eligible applicants who are not UK citizens.
- Fieldwork expenses.
- Support for selected conference attendance.
- Maintenance payments during parental leave for the duration of the leave.
International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for additional financial support to help cover the difference between home and international tuition fees. Applicants should select the funding application option and all funding opportunities for which they may be eligible.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
- Start Date: April 2027
Application Process
Apply for the PhD in Archaeology through the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal.
Applicants should:
- Select Dr Alexander Weide and Professor Stephanie Wynne-Jones as preferred supervisors.
- Mention the ZAMBEZI project in the proposed title section.
- Quote reference number JD51582.
Required Documents
- Cover Letter: Maximum two pages, explaining your suitability and potential contribution to the project.
- Standard Application Documents: As required for the PhD in Archaeology application.
Note: The cover letter replaces the full research proposal requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of Cambridge PhD studentship in Archaeobotany funded?
Yes. The studentship provides a stipend covering maintenance and university fees, together with additional support for fieldwork, selected conferences and eligible visa-related expenses.
Can international students apply for this PhD studentship?
The vacancy welcomes applications from all sections of society. International applicants are particularly encouraged to apply for additional financial support to help cover the difference between home and international fees.
Is a research proposal required for the ZAMBEZI PhD application?
No. Applicants must submit a cover letter of no more than two pages explaining their suitability and contribution to the project. This replaces the full research proposal requirement.
Where will the PhD researcher be based?
The successful candidate will be based at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge, in the United Kingdom.
When is the deadline for the PhD funding application?
The application deadline is 1 December 2026. Candidates should submit their applications through the official University of Cambridge postgraduate application portal.
Related Opportunities
- Archaeology Academic Jobs
- Fully Funded PhD Opportunities
- Academic Research Jobs
- UK University Opportunities
Explore more archaeology PhD opportunities, funded studentships and academic research vacancies on HigherJobz.
