Research Fellow in Palaeoecology - Coventry University

Coventry University is recruiting a Research Fellow in Palaeoecology for its Research Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience (CAWR), UK. The role focuses on palaeoenvironmental reconstruction and Holocene human–environment relationships in East Attica, Greece, through the AHRC-funded ARTEMIS project. This is a full-time, 24-month fixed-term position offering £38,784–£42,254 per annum, depending on experience. The application deadline is 3 November 2026.

Position Details

Position: Research Fellow in Palaeoecology
Official Reference Number: 3819
Institution: Coventry University, United Kingdom
Department: Research Division, Research Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience (CAWR)
Research Discipline(s): Palaeoecology, Palynology, Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction, Archaeology, Environmental Science, Geography, Earth Sciences and Botany
Job Type: Research Fellow
Contract Duration: 24 months, fixed-term
Start Date: Not specified
Working Hours: Full-time; exact hours not specified
Application Deadline: 3 November 2026
Salary: £38,784–£42,254 per annum, depending on experience. A discretionary higher salary range may be considered for candidates with exceptional experience.
Required Qualification: PhD or equivalent, demonstrating the ability to conduct independent research, and a first-class or upper-second-class (2:1) degree in an appropriate subject.

About the Position

The Research Fellow will contribute to the ARTEMIS project, which aims to uncover the histories of Greek rural communities by developing an integrated human–environment narrative. The project investigates how people and landscapes interacted in ancient Greece, with a particular focus on East Attica and the Holocene period.

The research combines palaeoenvironmental evidence with archaeological data to improve understanding of past vegetation, land use and environmental change. The post offers an opportunity to contribute to interdisciplinary research connecting environmental sciences and archaeology.

The successful candidate will work with the project co-lead in CAWR’s Climate and Environmental Change research cluster and collaborate with researchers at the University of Birmingham in the UK, Patras in Greece and Innsbruck in Austria. The project also provides opportunities to develop expertise in quantitative land-cover modelling and pollen-based approaches to landscape reconstruction.

Research Areas

Palaeoecology and palynology
Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction
Holocene human–environment relationships
Environmental archaeology
Pollen analysis and land-cover modelling
Sediment analysis and radiocarbon dating

Eligibility and Qualifications

Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent qualification demonstrating their ability to conduct independent research, along with a first-class or upper-second-class (2:1) degree in a relevant subject, such as Geography, Environmental Science, Earth Sciences, Botany or Archaeology.

Candidates should have strong knowledge and experience in palynology, palaeoecology and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction, including:

Conducting palaeoenvironmental fieldwork, particularly sediment coring.
Analysing pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs and microscopic charcoal.
Selecting and preparing samples for radiocarbon dating.
Developing research proposals, publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting findings at academic events.

Candidates should also work effectively with other researchers and contribute to interdisciplinary projects, public engagement and knowledge exchange.

Experience in age–depth modelling, sediment analysis, loss-on-ignition, particle-size analysis, GIS and numerical data analysis would be beneficial. Candidates must also be willing to take part in fieldwork to estimate Relative Pollen Productivity (RPP) for Greek plant taxa.

Key Responsibilities

The Research Fellow will:

Participate in fieldwork in East Attica, Greece, including sediment coring, vegetation surveys and modern pollen sampling.
Lead laboratory analyses of pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs and microscopic charcoal from modern and palaeoenvironmental samples.
Contribute to estimating Relative Pollen Productivity for Greek plant taxa.
Select and submit samples for radiocarbon dating in collaboration with researchers at partner institutions.
Develop age–depth models for sediment sequences.
Integrate palaeoenvironmental findings with archaeological data to investigate Holocene human–environment relationships.
Contribute to quantitative land-cover modelling using the Landscape Reconstruction Algorithm (LRA) and Multiple Scenario Approach (MSA).
Publish research findings in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals.
Present findings at national and international events.
Build research networks and contribute to collaborative research development, dissemination, public engagement and future funding opportunities.

Salary and Benefits

Coventry University advertises a starting salary range of £38,784–£42,254 per annum, depending on experience, with the potential to progress. A discretionary higher range may be discussed for candidates with exceptional experience.

The benefits listed in the vacancy include:

Employer pension contributions.
30 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays.
A holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to five additional days.
Life assurance worth four times the salary.
BUPA Cash Plan.
A 50% tuition fee discount for staff dependants.
CU Reward Scheme discounts across selected high-street and online retailers.
Cycle to Work scheme.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 3 November 2026

Application Process

Applicants should review the official vacancy and person specification before applying. Submit your application through Coventry University’s recruitment website, quoting Job Reference 3819.

For full application instructions, required documents and any additional supporting materials, visit the official vacancy page through the View & Apply link below.

View & Apply

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