Queen’s University Belfast is recruiting a Research Fellow in Archaeological Science within the School of Natural and Built Environment. The postdoctoral research position supports the Landscapes of Catastrophe project, examining the archaeological, biological, ecological, and social impacts of the Great Irish Famine (1845–1852) across Ireland.
The role focuses on multi-isotope analysis, bioarchaeology, and incremental dentine analysis using human and animal remains from the famine period. Working with the project leadership team, the appointee will combine biogeochemical results with archaeological, palaeoenvironmental, and archival evidence to examine changes in population, diet, farming, and landscapes across six Irish study areas. Duties also include laboratory coordination, technical investigation, collaborative work, and publication of research findings.
The wider study establishes environmental and landscape chronologies spanning 1650–1960 CE to strengthen understanding of the ecological and demographic changes linked to the Great Irish Famine. Isotope evidence will help examine physiological stress, food consumption, mobility, and wider social and economic change while contributing to archaeological science and palaeodemographic research.
The appointment provides access to leading research facilities at Queen’s University Belfast, including the 14CHRONO Centre and the Institute for Heritage and Environmental Science. The successful candidate will work alongside specialists in radiocarbon dating, palaeoecology, and scientific archaeology while benefiting from mentoring, professional development, and advanced analytical laboratories supported by recent investment.
Position Details
- Position: Research Fellow
- Official Reference Number: 26/113505
- Institution: Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom
- Department: School of Natural and Built Environment
- Research Discipline(s): Archaeological Science, Bioarchaeology, Isotope Geochemistry, Scientific Archaeology, Palaeoenvironmental Research
- Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- Job Type: Research Fellow
- Contract Duration: Fixed-term
- Start Date: Not specified
- Working Hours: Not specified
- Salary/Funding: £42,972 per annum (from 1 August 2026)
- Required Qualification: PhD in Archaeological Science or a closely related discipline
Research Areas
The Research Fellow will contribute to research across the following Archaeological Science and Bioarchaeology areas:
- Archaeological Science and Scientific Archaeology
- Bioarchaeology and Osteological Analysis
- Multi-isotope and Isotope Geochemistry (C, N, Sr, O, H and Pb)
- Incremental Dentine Analysis and Physiological Stress Research
- Palaeoenvironmental Research and Landscape Reconstruction
- Palaeodemography, Diet and Human Mobility Studies
- Great Irish Famine Archaeology and Historical Population Change
Eligibility / Qualifications
Applicants should meet the following essential requirements:
- PhD in Archaeological Science or a closely related discipline, awarded before appointment or expected within three months of the start date.
- Demonstrated expertise in multi-isotope analysis involving one or more of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), strontium (Sr), oxygen (O), hydrogen (H), and lead (Pb) isotopes.
- Practical experience in osteological analysis, including the collection, preparation, and examination of archaeological human remains, together with incremental dentine analysis.
- Ability to apply, develop, or expand analytical methods and scientific techniques relevant to archaeological science and bioarchaeological research.
- Evidence of publishing research in national or international peer-reviewed journals appropriate to career stage.
- Experience working within collaborative research projects, including archaeological fieldwork, sampling, and archival assessment.
Key Responsibilities
The successful researcher will contribute to the following Archaeological Science research activities:
- Conduct multi-isotope analyses of famine-era human and animal remains.
- Compile and evaluate published bioarchaeological datasets from Ireland.
- Undertake incremental dentine isotope analysis to investigate diet and physiological stress.
- Integrate isotope evidence with archaeological, palaeoenvironmental, and archival research.
- Supervise technical laboratory analyses and contribute to bioarchaeological work packages.
- Support interdisciplinary collaboration, research dissemination, and outreach activities.
Funding and Benefits
The position includes the following funding and employment benefits:
- Annual salary of £42,972, effective from 1 August 2026.
- Up to 8.4 weeks of annual leave, together with University pension schemes and flexible working arrangements where appropriate.
- Professional development, tailored mentoring, and specialist training to support research and career progression.
- Access to internationally recognised laboratories, advanced analytical facilities, and research infrastructure at Queen’s University Belfast.
- Wellbeing initiatives and support for physical and mental health, alongside work-life balance programmes.
Application Process
Applications should be submitted through the official Queen’s University Belfast online recruitment system before the closing date. Applicants should ensure their application clearly demonstrates how they satisfy the published essential selection criteria.
Required documents include:
- Completed online application.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Details demonstrating how the essential criteria are met.
- Supporting information requested within the application system.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 27 July 2026
- Application Deadline: 24 August 2026
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: Not specified
Eligible applicants should review the official vacancy information carefully before submitting their application. As the closing date is 24 August 2026, early submission is recommended to avoid missing the application deadline.
Researchers looking for additional funding support can explore these UK fellowships and research funding opportunities for global scholars in 2026, covering various academic disciplines and career stages.
Related Academic Opportunities
Explore more opportunities related to archaeology, archaeological science, and research careers:
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- Fully Funded Archaeology PhD Opportunities
- Heritage Research Fellowships
- Academic Research Fellowship Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this Research Fellow position?
It is a Research Fellow role in Archaeological Science at Queen’s University Belfast.
What qualification is required?
A PhD in Archaeological Science or a related discipline is required.
What does the project study?
The project studies the Great Irish Famine using archaeology, bioarchaeology, and isotope analysis.
What is the salary offered?
The position offers £42,972 per annum.
Institutional Overview
Queen’s University Belfast is a leading research university in Northern Ireland, recognised for its teaching, innovation, and global academic partnerships. Established in Belfast, the University offers research and education across science, engineering, medicine, humanities, and social sciences. Its School of Natural and Built Environment provides expertise in archaeology, heritage, environmental studies, and scientific research through specialist facilities and collaborative programmes. The University supports interdisciplinary projects that address challenges across society, culture, and the environment. With advanced laboratories, research centres, and international connections, Queen’s University Belfast provides a strong academic environment for researchers, students, and professionals working across diverse fields of knowledge.
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