About Position/Job
Queen’s University Belfast is recruiting a Palaeoecology Research Fellow for the Ecologies of Governance project, a major interdisciplinary research initiative examining the emergence of inequality and early medieval rulership in Britain and Ireland. This 30-month full-time research post is based in Archaeology and Palaeoecology and involves collaboration with Newcastle University and Cardiff University. The role focuses on multi-proxy palaeoecological analysis of royal landscapes from the first millennium AD, using techniques such as palynology, diatom analysis, XRF, isotopic analysis, and environmental reconstruction. The project combines archaeology, environmental science, and landscape history to understand agrarian regimes and ecological exploitation. Researchers will benefit from advanced facilities including the 14CHRONO Centre and the Institute for Heritage and Environmental Science, alongside mentorship and specialist training.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Research Fellow
- Institution: Queen’s University Belfast
- Department: Archaeology and Palaeoecology
- Research Field: Palaeoecology / Archaeology / Environmental Science
- Location: Belfast, United Kingdom
- Number of posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term Research Fellowship
- Start Date (Anticipated): 2026
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary Range: £41,519 – £44,035 per annum
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Palaeoecology
- Archaeological science
- Environmental reconstruction
- Early medieval landscapes of Britain and Ireland
- Agrarian regimes and ecological exploitation
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Archaeology or a closely related discipline
- Proven expertise in multi-proxy palaeoecology research
- Technical experience in XRF, pollen, NPP, plant macrofossil and isotope analysis
- Postdoctoral research experience in archaeology or environmental science
- Demonstrated publication record in national or international journals
- Experience working effectively within collaborative research teams
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge or expertise in biomarkers and/or metagenomics
- Experience supervising technical analysis and managing research workflows
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct fieldwork and laboratory analysis for royal landscape case studies
- Perform multi-proxy palaeoecological analyses to reconstruct ecological contexts
- Contribute to project planning and day-to-day management of research work packages
- Supervise technical analytical processes
- Collaborate with partner universities and contribute to research dissemination and outreach
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official Queen’s University Belfast recruitment portal. Candidates should clearly demonstrate how they meet all essential criteria listed in the candidate information.
Required Documents:
- CV
- Cover letter / personal statement
- Evidence addressing essential and desirable criteria
- Publication list
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 2 February 2026
- Deadline: 23 February 2026
- Interview Date: Not specified
Useful Links
- Institution Website: Queen’s University Belfast
- Official Notification Link: Click here
- Apply Now: Click here
