Postdoctoral Researcher in Archaeological Modelling (Fixed-Term)

The University is seeking to appoint a talented, enthusiastic, and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Archaeological Modelling to work in the Institute for the Modelling of Socio-Environmental Transitions (IMSET), under the AHRC/DFG-funded project “Comparative Legacies of Human Land Use in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest” (COMPLEG).

Successful candidates will have opportunities working in a broad interdisciplinary research team, gaining experience in interdisciplinary computational methods, research project management, and developing international recognized research careers. This position aims at developing an atlas of human impact in one of the most heavily degraded tropical forests, focusing on the combined effects of demography and land use across several major societal and environmental transitions.

Building on IMSET’s research expertise in computational modelling, environmental archaeology, and simulation, the goal of this research is also to enhance the uptake and use of “palaeosocietal” data by allied and adjacent disciplines. This work will aim to contribute to interdisciplinary academic outputs, including climate modelling, environmental humanities, sustainable development initiatives, and conservation. The goal is to understand the interwoven ways humans have interacted with their environments through strongly data-driven approaches and to develop this into comparable, synthetic understandings of our collective ecological footprint.

Successful candidates should have a track record in computational modelling, including programming (R/Python/Julia), geographical information systems, and simulation, as well as strong analytical skills. Previous Post-Doctoral research experience in related areas and experience in research grant proposal development are desirable.

This position is available on a fixed-term basis until 1 February 2026.

For further and informal discussions, please contact the Principal Investigator, Dr Philip Riris, at the Department of Archaeology & Anthropology, Faculty of Science and Technology, email: [email protected] . 

BU values and is committed to an inclusive working environment.  We seek a diverse community through attracting, developing and retaining staff from different backgrounds to contribute to inspirational learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society.  To support and enable our staff to achieve a balance between work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.