The University of Cambridge invites applications for a PhD Studentship in the Zooarchaeology of Later Pastoralism within its Department of Archaeology. The research will investigate livestock economies, animal diets and herd management strategies among Pastoral Iron Age communities in north-central Kenya. This is a three-year funded PhD studentship that starts in October 2027, and it is supported by a UKRI Frontier Research Grant.
Position Details
- Position: PhD Studentship in Zooarchaeology of Later Pastoralism
- Reference: JD51565
- Institution: University of Cambridge
- Department: Department of Archaeology
- Research Group/Project: LHEAAPS Project
- Supervisors: Professor Paul Lane and Dr Lizzie Wright
- Location: Cambridge, UK, with fieldwork in Kenya
- Contract Duration: 3 years
- Start Date: October 2027
- Application Deadline: 6 January 2027
- Required Qualification: MA, MSc or MPhil in Archaeology, Archaeological Science or a related discipline.
About the Position
The PhD studentship is part of the Landscape Historical Ecology and Archaeology of Ancient Pastoral Societies in Kenya (LHEAAPS) project, funded by a UKRI Frontier Research Grant. Through this project, researchers will explore how Pastoral Iron Age societies developed in north-central Kenya over approximately 1,800 years. It also looks at livestock and human mobility, dietary practices, exchange networks and the effects of environmental changes.
As part of this research, the successful candidate will study animal economies and herd management through zooarchaeological and isotopic analyses. In particular, the research will examine changes in animal diets and livestock movement over time. This will help researchers understand historical pastoral practices and their relevance to the sustainability of pastoralist communities today.
The successful candidate will join the LHEAAPS team at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge. They will also work with researchers and collaborators in the UK, Kenya and other countries.
Research Areas
- Zooarchaeology
- Archaeological Science
- Pastoral Iron Age societies
- East African archaeology
- Animal economies and livestock management
- Isotopic analysis
- Human-environment interactions
- Historical ecology
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the University of Cambridge’s entry requirements for a PhD in Archaeology.
Essential requirements:
- Have completed or expect to complete an MA, MSc or MPhil by July 2027.
- Have a degree in Archaeology, Archaeological Science or a related discipline.
- Demonstrate a sound grounding in zooarchaeology and relevant specialist knowledge.
- Be willing to participate in fieldwork and spend extended periods in Kenya, including stays of up to five months.
Desirable experience and skills:
- Knowledge of East African Holocene archaeology or pastoralist economies.
- Practical fieldwork experience in the archaeology of pastoralism.
- Zooarchaeological and analytical experience with archaeological materials.
Applicants with relevant zooarchaeological knowledge from other geographical regions are also welcome.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Investigate animal economies and herd management strategies at Pastoral Iron Age sites in north-central Kenya.
- Analyse animal species composition and body-part representation.
- Examine livestock mortality, pathological and metric data.
- Conduct isotopic analyses to reconstruct animal diets and mobility.
- Investigate changes in livestock management and movement over time.
- Participate in fieldwork and research activities in Kenya.
- Work with the LHEAAPS research team and its collaborators.
Salary and Benefits
The PhD studentship is funded by a UKRI Frontier Research Grant and provides:
- A maintenance stipend and tuition fees at the current Home Rate.
- An additional 6–12 months of discretionary maintenance support to help complete the dissertation.
- Immigration Health Surcharge and visa fees for successful non-UK applicants.
- Fieldwork expenses.
- Funding for selected conference attendance.
- Maintenance payments during parental leave.
Additional funding: Non-EU applicants and applicants from EU countries who do not meet the residency requirements may be eligible for additional financial support. They must also indicate their interest in Cambridge Trust funding and select the relevant eligible schemes in the application portal.
Applicants who qualify for Home Rate fees may also apply for these additional funding sources.
Important Dates
- Publication Date: 2 November 2026
- Application Deadline: 6 January 2027
- Interview Dates: 18–22 January 2027 (online)
- Start Date: October 2027
Application Process
Applicants should apply for the PhD in Archaeology through the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal and include reference JD51565.
As part of the application, candidates must:
- State in their Statement of Research Interest that they are applying for the LHEAAPS project.
- Select Professor Paul Lane as their preferred supervisor and Dr Lizzie Wright as their second supervisor.
- Submit a cover letter of up to two pages explaining their suitability and the skills and knowledge they can bring to the project.
They must also submit the standard PhD application documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PhD Studentship is funded?
Yes. The studentship is supported by a UKRI Frontier Research Grant and covers maintenance and tuition fees at the current Home Rate, subject to the advertised funding arrangements.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The vacancy welcomes applicants from different countries. The studentship also covers visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge for successful non-UK applicants.
Is previous experience in East African archaeology required?
No. Although this experience is desirable, applicants with relevant zooarchaeological and analytical experience from other regions are also welcome.
Will the PhD student need to travel to Kenya?
Yes. The research involves fieldwork and extended stays in Kenya, which may last up to five months at a time.
Related Categories
- PhD Studentships
- Funded PhD Opportunities
- Archaeology Jobs
- UK Research Opportunities
- Academic Research Positions
Follow HigherJobz for the latest PhD studentships, postdoctoral positions, fellowships, research opportunities and academic jobs worldwide.
