We invites applications for a fixed-term Research Assistant / Associate in Archaeological Glass. This is a fixed term appointment for 24 months, starting in October 2025. The Post holder will work as part of the project “Entangled materialities and new global histories from southern Africa (ENTANGLED).”
ENTANGLED is a five year (2024-2029) interdisciplinary project combining scientific analyses of a range of archaeological materials with historical and ethnographic research to address connections between southern Africa and the Indian Ocean World during the Global Middle Ages (500-1500 CE). The core team (the PI, two post-doctoral researchers, one doctoral student and the project coordinator) are based at the University of Cambridge. The core team works closely with several collaborators based in at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research as well as collaborators at the University of Eduardo Mondlane (Mozambique) and several other institutions. The project has a strong base in Mozambique, where much of the research is carried out.
We seek a rigorous, creative and collaborative researcher to join our team. The post holder will lead on the analyses of the itineraries of glass beads and glass objects from the southern African region. Drawing on a range of methodologies the research associate will examine the provenance, manufacture and uses of glass beads and objects from the region. This multi-modal study will form the basis for addressing the materiality of global entanglements in southern Africa during the Global Middle Ages. Research skills in material culture studies and the scientific analyses of glass, including compositional analysis using techniques such as SEM-EDS and LA-ICP-MS, an ability to thrive as part of a diverse team and a willingness to contribute collectively to broader research agendas are essential requirements. The post holder is expected to work in multiple locations, with the main base at the McDonald Institute in Cambridge but also including research and data collection trips in southern Africa. Analyses will focus on objects from museum collections and recently excavated material from the Entangled fieldwork in southern Mozambique. They will work closely with the PI, a number of collaborators and members of the University of Cambridge’s Pitt-Rivers Laboratory for Archaeological Science.
The post holder must have a PhD (or have submitted their thesis) at the time of appointment. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded. Salary Ranges are £32,546 – £35,116 for a Research Assistant and £37,174 – £45,413 for a Research Associate.
Visit https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/51040/ to view further details and to apply for this position.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BAME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Dr Abigail Moffett (am3285@cam.ac.uk).
Entangled Project 