The University of York is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the RANGIFER: Reindeer Antler and Outland Connectivity in Viking-Age Europe project within the Department of Archaeology. This full-time, fixed-term position is based at the University’s York campus, with some remote working options available. The successful researcher will investigate Viking-Age trade, resource exploitation, and cultural connectivity by analysing the animal materials used to manufacture hair combs through Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS), LC-MS/MS, and other proteomic techniques. The findings will contribute to understanding long-distance trade, resource use, and cultural connections across Viking-Age Europe.
Building on this research programme, the appointed Postdoctoral Research Associate will undertake analytical work investigating the animal materials used to manufacture Viking-Age hair combs. The project examines patterns of trade, resource exploitation, and cultural connectivity across Europe by applying biomolecular methods to archaeological artefacts. Research activities combine museum sampling, laboratory analysis, scientific interpretation, and scholarly dissemination under the supervision of senior academic colleagues.
In addition to laboratory research, the position involves coordinating research visits to museums throughout Europe while working closely with curators and conservators during ethical sampling activities. The researcher will process archaeological samples at the University’s BioArCH research facility, where advanced biomolecular methods are applied to analyse archaeological materials using Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) and LC-MS/MS techniques. They will maintain detailed analytical records while preparing reports, publications, and conference presentations based on the research findings.
Alongside these responsibilities, the Postdoctoral Research Associate will contribute to public engagement activities that communicate research outcomes to wider audiences while supporting a collaborative research environment within the project team. The position combines scientific analysis, archaeological investigation, international collaboration, and academic dissemination, providing an integrated research role within a major Viking Age archaeological science project.
Position Details
- Job Reference: 15174
- Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate
- Institution: University of York, United Kingdom
- Department: Department of Archaeology
- Research Discipline: Archaeology, Archaeological Science, Biomolecular Archaeology
- Location: York, United Kingdom
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Research Associate
- Contract Duration: Fixed-term
- Start Date: Not specified
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary/Funding: £37,694–£42,254 per year (Grade 6)
- Required Qualification: PhD (or equivalent research qualification relevant to the role)
About the RANGIFER Project
The RANGIFER project investigates how reindeer antler and other animal materials contributed to trade, craft production, and cultural connectivity across Viking-Age Europe. By analysing archaeological combs and manufacturing waste from museum collections, the project aims to identify the species used in artefact production through minimally destructive proteomic techniques. The research combines museum-based sampling, laboratory analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve understanding of Viking-Age exchange networks.
Research Areas
The project brings together expertise across the following research areas, reflecting its focus on Viking Age archaeology, archaeological science, biomolecular archaeology, proteomics, and ZooMS research:
- Viking Age archaeology
- Archaeological science and biomolecular archaeology
- Zooarchaeology and museum collections research
- Proteomics, including Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) and LC-MS/MS analysis
- Mass spectrometry for archaeological materials
- Cultural connectivity, trade networks, and resource exploitation in Viking-Age Europe
Eligibility / Qualifications
Candidates applying for the Viking Age Archaeology Postdoc at York should hold a PhD or equivalent qualification and demonstrate relevant postdoctoral research experience. Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- A PhD or equivalent research qualification relevant to the position.
- Experience in archaeological science, biomolecular archaeology, or a closely related discipline
- Experience undertaking laboratory-based proteomic analysis
- Experience applying Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) and LC-MS/MS techniques to archaeological materials.
- Ability to coordinate international research visits and undertake museum-based artefact sampling.
- Strong communication skills for collaborative research, academic publication, and conference presentation.
- Ability to maintain accurate digital records of samples, contextual information, and analytical results.
- Willingness to travel internationally to undertake research in museum collections.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate appointed to the Viking Age Archaeology Postdoc at the University of York, UK, will be expected to:
- Coordinate and undertake research visits to museum collections across Europe.
- Liaise with museum curators and conservators to organise ethical artefact sampling.
- Conduct ZooMS and LC-MS/MS analyses at the BioArCH facility.
- Process archaeological samples and maintain detailed digital research records.
- Prepare reports, academic publications, and conference presentations.
- Support public engagement activities while contributing to a collaborative research environment.
Application Process
Applications should be submitted through the University of York recruitment system before the published deadline. Applicants should ensure all requested documentation is completed before submitting their application.
Required documents include:
- Completed online application
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Supporting statement
- Any additional documents requested through the recruitment portal
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 15 July 2026
- Application Deadline: 12 August 2026
- Interview Period: To be confirmed
- Expected Start Date: Not specified
Applications close on 12 August 2026. Submit your application early to be considered for this Postdoctoral Research Associate position at the University of York.
Looking for additional funding opportunities? Explore our guide to UK Fellowships and Research Funding 2026 for the latest grants, fellowships, and academic funding schemes.
Related Academic Opportunities
- International Postdoctoral Research Jobs
- Archaeology Jobs Worldwide
- International Academic Jobs
- Academic Jobs in the UK
- Museum Studies Research Jobs
- UK Fellowships and Research Funding
Institutional Overview
The University of York is one of the United Kingdom’s leading research-intensive universities, recognised internationally for excellence in research and teaching across the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Its Department of Archaeology is known for research-led teaching and interdisciplinary scholarship in archaeology, heritage, conservation, and archaeological science. Researchers benefit from access to specialist facilities, including the BioArCH research centre, which supports advanced biomolecular and archaeological science research. The University fosters an inclusive and collaborative academic environment, providing researchers with opportunities to contribute to internationally significant projects while working alongside experts from a wide range of disciplines.
Explore more postdoctoral research positions, archaeology jobs, academic vacancies, and research opportunities on HigherJobz to discover current openings at leading universities worldwide.
