Postdoctoral Research Associate in Geoarchaeology

The Department of Anthropology at Texas A&M University, USA, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Geoarchaeology of Drowned Gulf Landscapes. The researcher will work at the Center for the Study of the First Americans in College Station, Texas. The project investigates submerged Gulf landscapes and identifies areas that may preserve pre-Contact archaeological remains.

The successful candidate will contribute to a collaborative research project supporting offshore cultural resource stewardship. The work involves analysing legacy and newly collected datasets, conducting geoarchaeological fieldwork, examining sediment cores and geological materials, and developing improved approaches to offshore archaeological surveys.

The position also involves working with Tribal communities and project partners to guide research design, reconstruct past landscapes, and improve archaeological survey methods. Applicants must hold a relevant PhD and open-water SCUBA certification. Texas A&M University offers an annual salary of $54,000 for this full-time research position.

Position Details

Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate: Geoarchaeology of Drowned Gulf Landscapes
Official Reference Number: R-097611
Institution: Texas A&M University, USA
Department: Department of Anthropology
Research Discipline(s): Geoarchaeology, Archaeology, Geological Sciences, Submerged Landscape Archaeology
Location: College Station, Texas, USA
Job Type: Postdoctoral Research Associate (Full-time Staff Position)
Working Hours: Full-time
Application Deadline: 20 October 2026
Salary/Funding: $54,000 per year
Required Qualification: PhD in a relevant field

Research Areas

Geoarchaeology
Submerged Landscape Archaeology
Coastal and Offshore Archaeology
Palaeolandscape Reconstruction
Archaeological Geophysics
Marine and Coastal Geology
Sediment Core Analysis
Remote Sensing and GIS
Geomorphology
Oceanography
Palaeoclimatology
Cultural Resource Management

Eligibility and Qualifications

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

A PhD in anthropology, archaeology, geoarchaeology, geology, geophysics, oceanography, or another related field.
Open-water SCUBA certification.

Preferred qualifications and experience include:

Experience in Southeastern archaeology, offshore archaeological research, and sediment core analysis.
Expertise in geoarchaeology, geophysical data analysis, GIS, remote sensing, geomorphology, oceanography, palaeoclimatology, or related fields.
A strong record of peer-reviewed journal publications and external research funding.
AAUS scientific diver certification.
Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail.

The vacancy also mentions a master’s degree with ABD (all but dissertation) status in anthropology, archaeology, or a related field among the attributes of a well-qualified candidate. However, the stated minimum qualification is a relevant PhD. Candidates who have not completed their doctorate should contact the university to clarify eligibility.

Key Responsibilities

Develop regional palaeolandscape reconstructions to identify areas with potential for preserved pre-Contact archaeological remains in the Gulf.
Analyse remote-sensing data, legacy survey datasets, sediment cores, geological materials, and radiocarbon samples from offshore research.
Conduct geoarchaeological fieldwork, participate in offshore research cruises, collect archival samples, and support onshore training workshops.
Interpret research findings and help develop improved archaeological survey methods and technologies for submerged landscapes.
Collaborate with Tribal communities and project partners to incorporate their perspectives into research design, palaeolandscape reconstruction, and archaeological survey models.
Maintain research datasets and metadata in accordance with international standards, ensuring the proper management of new and legacy data.
Prepare quarterly, annual, and final project reports, and publish research findings in scholarly journals.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers an annual salary of $54,000, equivalent to $4,500 per month before deductions.

Eligible employees may receive the following benefits under Texas A&M University’s applicable policies:

Medical and prescription drug insurance.
Dental and vision insurance.
Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Flexible spending accounts.
Long-term disability insurance.
Paid university holidays.
Monthly paid sick leave and vacation accrual.
Automatic enrolment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
Access to health and wellness programmes.

The position is funded through grants and/or contracts. Continued employment depends on the availability of funding and satisfactory job performance.

Important Dates

Application Deadline for Best Consideration: 20 October 2026

Application Process

Apply through the official Texas A&M University recruitment portal. Upload your application documents under the CV/Resume section.

Required Documents

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the following documents:

Cover Letter: Detail your experience in geoarchaeology and submerged landscape research.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Provide your academic and professional details.
Three Academic References: Include the names and contact information of three academic referees. If you are an ABD candidate, your dissertation adviser must be one of the references.

The university may contact references when inviting candidates for interviews. Applicants must complete all required application fields or attach a resume to avoid rejection.

View & Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main research focus of this postdoctoral position?
The project investigates submerged Gulf landscapes to identify areas with the potential to preserve pre-Contact archaeological remains. It combines palaeolandscape reconstruction, offshore research, sediment analysis, and remote-sensing data interpretation.

Does the position involve offshore fieldwork?
Yes. The role includes participation in offshore research cruises, geoarchaeological fieldwork, sediment sampling, laboratory analysis, and meetings and workshops with project partners. Travel throughout the Gulf Coast region is required.

Will the researcher work with Tribal communities?
Yes. The researcher will collaborate with Tribal communities and project partners to understand their perspectives on the purpose, design, and findings of the study and incorporate these perspectives into landscape reconstructions and survey models.

Where will the selected candidate be based, and will travel be required?
The position is based at the Center for the Study of the First Americans at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Travel throughout the Gulf Coast region is required for fieldwork, archival sampling, and meetings with project partners.