The University of Reading is inviting applications for a full-time Laboratory Technician in Geoarchaeology and Palaeoecology at its Whiteknights Campus. The two-year fixed-term post supports the ERC-funded MEDGREENREV project. The role involves laboratory work with archaeological soils, sediments, microbotanical remains and environmental evidence.
The post is designed for candidates with laboratory experience and an interest in geoarchaeology, environmental archaeology or a related discipline. The successful applicant will assist the Reading MEDGREENREV team and contribute to its research activities.
Running from 2023 to 2029, the MEDGREENREV Project examines environmental change across the medieval Western Mediterranean. Its research covers the Iberian Peninsula, including the Balearic Islands, and Morocco, considering climatic fluctuations, population movements and changing land-use regimes.
The technician will prepare archaeological soil and sediment thin sections for micromorphological analysis and undertake associated laboratory tasks. These include maintaining sample inventories, recording sediment core descriptions, extracting pollen and phytoliths, and processing materials for geochemical and mineralogical analysis.
Position Details
- Position: Laboratory Technician in Geoarchaeology and Palaeoecology
- Official Reference number: SRF53978
- Institution: University of Reading, UK
- Research Discipline(s): Geoarchaeology, Palaeoecology, Environmental Archaeology, Environmental Science
- Location: Whiteknights Campus, Reading, UK
- Job Type: Full-time Laboratory Technician
- Contract Duration: 2 years, full-time and fixed-term
- Start Date: Flexible; as soon as possible
- Salary: £26,707–£30,378 per annum, Grade 4
- Required Qualification: HNC, AS/A-Level, NVQ3 or degree-equivalent qualification in a related subject
Research Areas
The position covers several laboratory and environmental research areas:
- Geoarchaeology
- Palaeoecology
- Environmental archaeology
- Archaeological soil and sediment analysis
- Micromorphology
- Microbotanical analysis
- Pollen and phytolith extraction
- Geochemical and mineralogical analysis
Eligibility/Qualifications
Required Qualifications for the Geoarchaeology Laboratory Technician at the University of Reading
- Substantial experience of working in a laboratory environment.
- Qualification equivalent to HNC, AS/A-Level, NVQ3 or a relevant degree.
- Relevant academic background in Archaeology, Geography, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology or a related discipline.
- Proficiency in using specialist equipment requiring significant training or certification.
- Strong knowledge of relevant specialist techniques and systems used for testing or analysis.
- Ability to contribute to the interpretation of laboratory results.
- Willingness to develop new practical skills required for the position.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will undertake laboratory duties supporting the MEDGREENREV research programme:
- Prepare archaeological soil and sediment thin sections for micromorphological analysis.
- Compile inventories and maintain records of archaeological and environmental samples.
- Record descriptions of sediment cores during laboratory processing.
- Carry out extractions for microbotanical remains, including pollen and phytoliths.
- Process soil and sediment samples for geochemical and mineralogical analysis.
- Work closely with the Reading MEDGREENREV team during laboratory activities and research support.
Salary and Benefits
Salary and Benefits for the Geoarchaeology Laboratory Technician
- Salary: £26,707–£30,378 per annum (Grade 4)
- Contract: Full-time, fixed-term for two years
- Training: Practical laboratory training and supervision
- Flexible working: Job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements may be considered where business needs allow.
Application Process
Applicants should submit their application through the University of Reading’s official recruitment system.
Required Documents: The vacancy does not specify a separate list of required documents. Applicants should follow the document requirements shown in the University of Reading’s official application system.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 14 August 2026
- Application Deadline: 8 September 2026 at 23:59
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: Flexible, as soon as possible
Eligible candidates should review the official vacancy details and complete their online application before 23:59 on 8 September 2026.
Related Academic Opportunities
- UK Academic Research Jobs
- Geoarchaeology Academic Jobs Worldwide
- Archaeology Academic Jobs Worldwide
- Medieval Studies Research Opportunities
- Palaeontology Research Positions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Laboratory Technician position at the University of Reading?
The salary is £26,707–£30,378 per annum at Grade 4.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 23:59 on 8 September 2026.
Is Skilled Worker visa sponsorship available for this position?
No. The vacancy is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, and applicants must secure UK work permission through another route.
What qualifications are required for the role?
Applicants need a qualification equivalent to HNC, AS/A-Level, NVQ3 or a degree in Archaeology, Geography, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology or a related subject.
Institutional Overview
The University of Reading is a public research university in Reading, England, with teaching and research across a wide range of academic disciplines. Its Whiteknights Campus is the university’s main campus and provides facilities for research, teaching and academic work. The university supports research across archaeology, environmental science and related fields, including work examining past environments and human interactions with landscapes. It also hosts research projects involving collaboration with institutions in the UK and internationally. The University of Reading is involved in the ERC-funded MEDGREENREV project, which brings together researchers working on environmental change and the medieval Western Mediterranean. Its research environment supports interdisciplinary study, combining archaeological, environmental and scientific approaches to investigate past societies and changing landscapes.
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