Geoarchaeology/Palaeoecology Technician

Job Purpose To manage archaeological, geoarchaeological, palaeoecological, earth science, environmental geo spatial technical aspects to the UKRI funded project, 'Rapid Engagement with Stressed Peatland Environments and Communities in Transformation (RESPECT)', working in a trans disciplinary environment to accelerate the UK's trajectory towards net zero. The post holder will work closely with Prof Nicki Whitehouse, Dr Adrian Bass, Dr Jiren Xu and other work package contributors at the University of Glasgow, University of Hull, University of Stirling and the project PI, Prof Jill Robbie, integrating technical work with project objectives.

You will provide specialist technical expertise in landscape geoarchaeology/palaeoecology, including field data collection and laboratory analyses at the Forth and Humber Estuary experimental catchments and the case study regions. Responsibilities include taking peat cores, organising fieldwork, identifying suitable field sites, operating GIS software (QGIS, ArcGIS), handling and analysing laboratory data (LOI, sediment analysis, radiocarbon dating, pollen analysis, pXRF), drawing up location maps and stratigraphic data, report writing, and running simple landscape, hydrological or catchment scale carbon cycling models under the direction of the research team. Familiarity with coding languages such as R and Python will be an advantage. You will create and operate geoarchaeological/palaeoecological technical resources and lead fieldwork within the catchment regions, especially auger survey and collection of field samples, and undertake a range of support activities in line with the work package.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Undertake specialist geoarchaeological and palaeoecological field and technical aspects of the project and provide laboratory technical expertise within geoarchaeology/palaeoecology and earth science as a member of the research group. Where required, support the supervision and training of students or other technical/research staff.
2. Be responsible for the management of geoarchaeology/palaeoecology technical aspects of the research project, including fieldwork, laboratory management, technical resources, and technical staff. Ensure timely and operational delivery of technical resources is optimised and seek to continuously improve the technical service.
3. Independently generate ideas and implement agreed proposals for experimental strategies.
4. Design and create experiments, systems, protocols, equipment, and/or other technical resources to support the delivery of research objectives.
5. Keep up to date with developments in relevant research/technical areas and within the broader discipline to ensure contribution to research goals is optimised.
6. Be responsible for troubleshooting complex technical problems, including issues with the design and operation of technical resources and/or with the data which is generated.
7. Undertake complex data analysis, identifying trends, problems or anomalies, and present findings clearly to the research group and/or to wider audiences via presentations or appropriate research publications.
8. Where relevant, take day to day control of the technical research budget, making informed decisions and advice on purchasing of capital equipment and consumables following consultation with appropriate colleagues.
9. Be responsible for the day to day management of and compliance with relevant Health and Safety and/or other specialist legal requirements. Maintain all necessary records in accordance with set requirements. Where relevant, keep up to date with developments or legal changes relevant to the work of the research group and advise and train group members as appropriate. Report any potential issues to the PI/service/facility manager, Safety Committee and/or relevant internal or external bodies timeously.
10. Work collaboratively with others, including within the wider College/Institute/School and where relevant with external contacts, to enhance the delivery of the research aims and support the broader strategic aims of the University. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and contribute to the wider College/School/Group activities as required, including the Technician Commitment key themes,

Knowledge/Qualifications Essential

• A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 8 Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4, Higher National Diploma or equivalent, in relevant science subject.
• A2 Demonstrable, detailed technical knowledge in geoarchaeology/palaeoecology field and laboratory analysis within an Archaeological, earth science or environmental science context.
• A3 Up to date knowledge of relevant laboratory and field Health and Safety legislation.
• A4 Clean driving licence.

Desirable

• B1 BSc Degree or equivalent in Archaeological Science, Quaternary Science, Earth Science, Environmental Science or related discipline.
• B2 Knowledge of Equality and Diversity policy.

Skills Essential

• C1 Skills in geospatial analysis of geoarchaeological, palaeoecological, Quaternary, and/or earth science/environmental data.
• C2 Skills in field survey and sampling using geoarchaeological/palaeoecological techniques.
• C3 Skills in mapping sites on the ground using survey equipment (e.g. dGPS).
• C4 Significant IT skills, including proficient user of relevant specialist and standard software packages, including QGIS and ArcGIS.
• C5 Demonstratable significant analytical and problem solving capability, including high degree of accuracy and attention to detail when dealing with complex data.
• C6 Proven interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to understand, conceptualise and interpret technical requirements of a research group and adapt one's style to meet the needs of others.
• C7 Excellent numeracy and literacy skills.
• C8 Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
• C9 Excellent organisational and time management skills and an ability to prioritise workload to meet competing demands.

Desirable

• D1 Extensive experience of field augering within wetland environments.
• D2 Skills in running and developing landscape and/or hydrological models, and/or catchment scale carbon cycling models.
• D3 Skills in coding environments such as R and/or Python.

Experience Essential

• E1 Significant relevant work experience within a similar research environment, including evidence of previous outputs and professional development.
• E2 Experience in core landscape geoarchaeological/palaeoecological field techniques (coring and survey) and laboratory analytical methods, including but not limited to LOI, sediment analysis, sediment sampling, radiocarbon dating, pollen analysis, pXRF and associated interpretation work.
• E3 Experience of understanding and interpreting the technical requirements of staff and students.
• E4 Experience of operating independently in progressing and delivering research goals within set timescales.
• E5 Field experience to collect geoarchaeological/palaeoecological, Quaternary, Earth Science or Environmental Science data.

Desirable

• E1 Extensive field experience within geoarchaeology, palaeoecology, Quaternary, and/or Environmental Science context.
• E2 Experience of running field campaigns, including logistics and field team supervision.
• E3 Experience of running complex landscape and hydrological models, under supervision.
• E4 Previous research experience around land use decisions.
• E5 Previous experience working in peatland contexts.

Terms and Conditions Salary will be Grade 6, £33,951 - £37,694 per annum.

This post is full time and open ended with funding available up until 31st March 2028. We anticipate a start date of 3rd August 2026.

Further enquiries may be directed to Prof Nicki Whitehouse or Dr Adrian Bass, .

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit:

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1. A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2. An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension, benefits and discount packages.
3. A flexible approach to working.
4. A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University:

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under represented within the University . click apply for full job details