About the Position
Queen’s University Belfast invites applications for a funded Palaeoecology Research Fellow position in Palaeoecology and Environmental Archaeology at the Institute for Heritage and Environmental Science, located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. This exciting academic opportunity focuses on reconstructing environmental, biological, and social dynamics during the Great Irish Famine (1845–52) and contributes to international research initiatives in palaeoecology and interdisciplinary historical science.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively within a major interdisciplinary research project, undertaking independent research using multi-proxy palaeoecological methods, laboratory analysis, and field-based sampling. Access to state-of-the-art laboratories, including the 14CHRONO Centre, alongside guidance from leading researchers, ensures a productive environment for high-impact publications and career development.
Applicants must hold a PhD in Palaeoecology or a closely related discipline and demonstrate strong experience in multi-proxy environmental reconstruction. Preferred skills include geochemical analysis, Bayesian modelling, and palaeoenvironmental data interpretation, alongside proven interdisciplinary collaboration, excellent communication, and teamwork skills.
This is a full-time, non-tenure-track postdoctoral research position for a fixed-term contract, starting in 2026, offering a competitive salary and excellent institutional benefits. The role provides opportunities for international collaboration, conference participation, and long-term academic career progression.
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Position / Job Details
- Position: Palaeoecology Research Fellow
- Institution: Queen’s University Belfast, UK
- Department: Institute for Heritage and Environmental Science, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Research Field: Palaeoecology / Environmental Archaeology
- Location: Belfast
- Country: United Kingdom (Northern Ireland)
- Job Type: Full-time, Postdoctoral Research
- Number of Positions: 1
- Start Date: 2026
- Working Hours: Full-time (approx. 36–37 hours per week)
- Salary / Funding: £41,519 – £42,756 per annum
- Required Degree / Diploma: PhD in Palaeoecology or related field
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Research Focus
This position contributes to the “Landscapes of Catastrophe” project, exploring:
- Palaeoecology
- Environmental Archaeology
- Radiocarbon Dating and Geochronology
- Isotope Geochemistry
- Landscape and Environmental Reconstruction
- Climate and Human–Environment Interactions
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Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements
- PhD in Palaeoecology or a closely related discipline
- Proven expertise in multi-proxy palaeoecological research
- Experience in peat and soil sequence analysis
- Knowledge of pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs, macrofossils, XRF, and tephra analysis
- Experience in constructing age–depth models using radiocarbon and related methods
- Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with sedimentary ancient DNA (aDNA) or biomarkers
- Familiarity with Bayesian modelling techniques
- Strong analytical and laboratory skills
- Interdisciplinary research experience
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
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Key Responsibilities
- Conduct field sampling and laboratory analysis of environmental sequences
- Apply multi-proxy palaeoecological techniques for landscape reconstruction
- Develop robust chronological models using radiocarbon and isotopic data
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams and project leaders
- Contribute to publications and the dissemination of research findings
- Assist in project management, supervision, and outreach activities
Application Process
Submit your application and all required documents through the official portal.
Required Documents
- Completed application form
- Academic CV
- Cover letter
- PhD certificate
- Research publications list
- References or referee contact details
- Supporting documents (as specified by the university)
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 13 April 2026
- Application Deadline: 11 May 2026
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: 2026
Official Information
- University/Institution: Queen’s University Belfast
- Department: Institute for Heritage and Environmental Science
- Research Group / Lab: Landscapes of Catastrophe Project
- Job ID: 26/113269
- Source: Queen’s University Belfast Careers Portal
- Official Notification: Palaeoecology Research Fellow (Landscapes of Catastrophe)
Where to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Queen’s University Belfast recruitment portal. Candidates are advised to prepare all required documents before submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.
🔗 Apply now via the official Queen’s University Belfast careers system.
This position offers structured training, international collaboration, and hands-on research experience in palaeoecology, providing an excellent opportunity for scholars to contribute to high-impact scientific publications while advancing their academic careers at Queen’s University Belfast, UK.
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