The University of York is looking for a Technical Specialist in Stable Isotopes to join its Department of Archaeology in York, UK. This is a full-time Grade 6 position based at BioArCh, supporting stable isotope research in archaeological science.
The role focuses on stable isotope analysis of archaeological materials, including bulk carbon, nitrogen and sulphur analysis and collagen amino acid-specific isotope measurements. The research environment covers human, animal and plant remains and applications related to cultural and environmental change.
The successful candidate will support sample preparation, laboratory analysis and data generation while helping to operate and maintain specialist instrumentation. Responsibilities also include laboratory management, user training, quality control, documentation, safety and interpretation of complex isotope datasets.
The position contributes to BioArCh’s wider research activities and international projects in archaeological science. Working alongside technicians, academics, researchers and postgraduate students, the Technical Specialist will help maintain high-quality analytical workflows and support research reporting and publication.
Position Details
- Position: Technical Specialist in Stable Isotopes
- Official Reference Number: 15300
- Institution: University of York, United Kingdom
- Department: Department of Archaeology
- Research Discipline(s): Archaeological Science, Stable Isotope Analysis
- Location: York, United Kingdom
- Job Type: Full-time
- Contract Duration: Permanent
- Salary/Funding: £37,694–£46,049 per year
- Required Qualification: Relevant technical and analytical experience
Research Areas
The role covers several connected areas of archaeological and analytical research:
- Stable isotope analysis
- Archaeological science
- Bulk C, N and S isotope analysis
- Collagen amino acid-specific isotope analysis
- Human, animal and plant remains
- Dietary stable isotope research
- Molecular and analytical techniques
- Cultural and environmental change
Eligibility/Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- Demonstrable experience in the routine operation and troubleshooting of chromatography and mass spectrometry equipment.
- Proven ability to plan, monitor and manage laboratory operations.
- Ability to optimise instrument access and maintain high analytical throughput.
- Strong data analysis skills.
- Ability to gather, interpret and present complex isotope datasets for research reporting and publication.
Desirable experience
- Significant experience undertaking relevant isotope analysis of biological, environmental or archaeological samples.
- Working knowledge of specialist analytical software used to analyse isotope datasets.
Key Responsibilities
The top responsibilities associated with this position include:
- Prepare and analyse archaeological materials for stable isotope research.
- Support bulk and collagen amino acid-specific isotope analysis workflows.
- Operate, maintain and troubleshoot specialist laboratory instrumentation.
- Oversee laboratory operations, quality control, documentation and safety procedures.
- Train researchers, students and other users in relevant laboratory methods.
- Generate, analyse and interpret isotope datasets for research reporting and publication.
Application Process
Candidates should apply through the University of York’s official recruitment portal and demonstrate how their laboratory, analytical and isotope research experience meets the essential criteria.
For informal enquiries, candidates can contact Richard Hagan, Senior Technical Manager, at richard.hagan@york.ac.uk.
Important Dates
- Posted Date: 1 September 2026
- Deadline: 29 September 2026
Eligible candidates should review the full official vacancy and application instructions on the University of York recruitment page via the Apply Now button.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the position at the University of York
The position is a Technical Specialist in Stable Isotopes within the Department of Archaeology.
Where is the Technical Specialist position based
The position is based at the University of York campus in York, United Kingdom, with some remote working options available.
What is the salary for this position
The salary is £37,694–£46,049 per year at Grade 6.
What technical experience is required
Applicants need demonstrable experience operating and troubleshooting chromatography and mass spectrometry equipment, alongside strong laboratory and data analysis skills.
Is isotope analysis experience required?
Relevant isotope analysis experience is listed as desirable, particularly involving biological, environmental or archaeological samples.
Institutional Overview
The University of York’s Department of Archaeology is a major UK centre for research and teaching across archaeology, heritage, conservation and archaeological science. BioArCh, based within the department, is internationally recognised for research on human, animal and plant remains using proteins, lipids, DNA and stable isotopes. Its facilities include specialist molecular laboratories and instruments for light stable isotope analysis, including EA-IRMS, HT-EA-IRMS and GC-C-IRMS. The centre participates in international research projects and is a national node for the UK’s Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science.
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