Cardiff University is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position within the School of History, Archaeology and Religion under a major European Research Council (ERC) funded project. The role focuses on multi-isotope analysis of Roman-period faunal and archaeobotanical remains to investigate Roman army diet, food provisioning systems, and frontier supply networks across the Roman Empire. Research undertaken in this position supports archaeological science, isotope archaeology, Roman archaeology, zooarchaeology, and bioarchaeological reconstruction through collaborative laboratory-based investigation.
The postholder will support stable isotope analysis, sample preparation, and interpretation of archaeological datasets derived from Roman military contexts. Research activity will integrate archaeological chemistry and environmental archaeology approaches to reconstruct dietary patterns and supply strategies. The role also supports Roman frontier studies through systematic laboratory analysis of biological remains.
The position requires collaboration with a second research associate working on complementary isotope systems and material categories. Joint research activity includes coordinated laboratory workflows, comparative data analysis, and contribution to peer-reviewed publications. The project strengthens understanding of Roman imperial logistics through scientific investigation of ancient food systems.
The role contributes to ERC-funded outputs in archaeological science, with emphasis on Roman army provisioning, isotope-based dietary reconstruction, and interdisciplinary research dissemination across academic publications.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate
- Institution: Cardiff University, United Kingdom
- Department: School of History, Archaeology and Religion
- Research Discipline: Archaeological Science / Isotope Analysis / Roman Archaeology
- Location: Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Contract Duration: 36 months (Fixed-term)
- Start Date: February 2027
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Salary/Funding: £41,064–£46,049 per annum (Grade 6)
- Required Qualification: PhD in Archaeology, Archaeological Science, or related discipline
Positions at Cardiff University attract applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, depending on research expertise and methodological training in archaeological science.
Research Area
- Multi-isotope analysis of archaeological materials
- Roman army diet reconstruction and food systems
- Zooarchaeology and archaeobotany
- Archaeological chemistry and biomolecular archaeology
- Roman frontier and imperial logistics research
- Bioarchaeological isotope applications
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct multi-isotope analysis of Roman-period materials
- Analyse faunal and archaeobotanical remains
- Contribute to Roman army dietary reconstruction research
- Support ERC-funded archaeological science objectives
- Collaborate on laboratory sample preparation and isotope workflows
- Produce peer-reviewed publications and research outputs
Application Process
Applicants must apply through Cardiff University’s official recruitment system, providing evidence of relevant research experience in isotope archaeology and laboratory-based archaeological science.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter outlining research experience
- Academic references
- Publication list (if available)
- Proof of PhD qualification
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 01 June 2026
- Application Deadline: 21 June 2026 (UK time)
- Interview Period: To be confirmed
- Expected Start Date: February 2027
Apply early to secure your opportunity in this ERC-funded archaeological science project at Cardiff University and contribute to advanced research in Roman isotope analysis and military diet reconstruction.
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Institutional Overview
Cardiff University is a Russell Group institution recognised for research excellence across archaeology, heritage, and interdisciplinary humanities scholarship. The School of History, Archaeology and Religion supports internationally recognised research in archaeological science, Roman studies, and bioarchaeology, contributing to major collaborative projects funded through competitive international schemes.
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