Technical Specialist in CSIA

Department

The Department of Archaeology at the University of York is one of the largest in the UK, with over 100 staff and over 600 UK and international students located on Heslington West Campus. We provide international, impact-oriented and interdisciplinary teaching and research of the highest quality and have a strong network of partnerships. Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to a collegial environment in which staff and students feel supported and valued.

BioArCh is a centre of excellence within the Department of Archaeology and is internationally recognised for strengths in the analysis of human, animal and plant remains and molecular techniques - proteins, lipids, DNA and stable isotopes. As a vibrant inter-disciplinary research community we participate in a wide range of large international research projects and we are a national node for the UK's Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (AHRC RICHeS). BioArCh is housed within the Environment Building with bespoke molecular laboratories and multiple instruments for light stable isotope analysis - EA-IRMS, HT-EA-IRMS and GC-C-IRMS. We work on a wide range of isotopic applications from human remains to plant materials and are interested in isotopic responses to cultural and environmental change. Thanks to rapid growth in this area driven by external funding and new infrastructure grants, we are expanding our stable isotope team by creating three new permanent technical posts, including two technical specialists.

Role

We seek to appoint two Grade 6 Technical Specialists on an open basis to support our expanding stable isotope analysis capabilities. One role will focus on our bulk stable isotope analysis workflows (C, N, S), whilst the other will lead our compound-specific isotope analyses (CSIA). Working closely alongside one another, the two Technical Specialists will join a dynamic research community of other technicians, academic staff, researchers, and postgraduate students, working at the forefront of archaeological science.

As a Technical Specialist , you will play a leading role in the preparation and analysis of archaeological materials, developing valuable expertise alongside our experienced technical team. In particular, you will help advance the field of dietary stable isotope analysis through the development and application of bulk and collagen amino acid specific isotope measurements. The role will include laboratory, analytical, and training duties, contributing directly to high-quality research outputs relating to a range of international research projects. The post holder will ensure the smooth running of laboratories and instrumentation, oversee sample preparation and data generation, train users in laboratory methods, and maintain rigorous standards of quality control, documentation, and safety.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed

• Demonstrable experience in the routine operation and troubleshooting of chromatography and mass spectrometry equipment (Essential)
• Significant experience in undertaking relevant isotope analysis of biological, environmental, or archaeological samples (Desirable)
• Proven ability to plan, monitor, and manage laboratory operations to optimise instrument access and maintain high analytical throughput in a dynamic research environment (Essential)
• Working knowledge of relevant specialist analytical software used in the analysis of isotope datasets (Desirable)
• Strong data analysis skills, with the ability to gather, interpret, and present complex isotope datasets for research reporting and publication (Essential)

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: Richard Hagan, Sr. Technical Manager at