Research Assistant in Endangered African Heritage Open Access Databases (Fixed Term)
Closing date: 30th September 2023
The funds for this post are available until 31st March 2024, in the first instance
The McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research invites applications for a fixed-term, full-time Research Assistant to work within the international multi-partner research project Mapping Africa's Endangered Archaeological Sites and Monuments (MAEASaM). The project is generously supported by Arcadia - a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin (https://www.arcadiafund.org.uk/).
Key tasks of this position will include: the identification of archaeological sites and monuments through the use of remote sensing analyses and desk-based research on existing site registers and from published and grey literature; the creation of digital records of these sites and monuments following a standardised format; the identification of past, present and potential future threats to the integrity of these sites; assistance with field visits to ground-truth features identified using remote sensing. The geographical scope comprises different African countries, with a particular focus on Sudan, Kenya and Ethiopia requiring close interaction with the relevant national authorities. For a detailed description of tasks, please see the 'Further Particulars' document.
Applicants must hold a MSc/MA/MPhil or BA/BSc degree in archaeology, geography, heritage studies or a related field with relevant experience in African archaeology and/or heritage management. Experience in computational and/or digital approaches in archaeology, in remote sensing, and GIS (ideally ArcGIS, and/or QGIS) and experience in archaeological field documentation and archaeological survey techniques, especially image interpretation, ideally within sub- Saharan Africa are essential. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write good English text for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings and excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability of working efficiently in a diverse team are required. Experience in digitising archaeological records, managing a discrete area of a research project and with the use of digital and social media communications channels and website content management systems (CMS) are desirable. Knowledge of written and spoken Arabic and/or Kiswahili will be an advantage.
Further details can be found here
Research Grants Coordinator (Temporary Cover)
The Faculty of Human, Social and Political Science is looking to recruit a temporary cover Research Grants Co-ordinator for 6 months full-time or 12 months part-time in the first instance, to support a busy and dynamic research institute.
Closing date: 7th September 2023
The role holder will be part of a small team responsible for the promotion and enhancement of research activity, generating research income, and providing administrative co-ordination and support to senior colleagues relating to research grant funding. The support provided will encompass the full grant life-cycle especially application, through post award and to final financial reporting and billing. The role holder will produce financial management reports as necessary for both internal and external purposes.
The successful applicant will have exceptional organisational, communication and interpersonal skills and will demonstrate a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Ideally they will be able to demonstrate factual and theoretical knowledge of grants administration, including the likes of X5 and/or Worktribe. However, all necessary training will be provided.
The role requires a skilled organiser, who is effective, efficient, patient, tactful and able to prioritise and manage their own workload, sometimes against competing deadlines. Previous administrative experience of working in an academic environment would be an advantage.
Further details can be found here
Baskerville Project Coordinator (Part-time, fixed-term)
Starting date estimated January 2024, for 36 months
Closing date: 15th September 2023
The post holder will work as part of the AHRC funded project: "Small performances": investigating the typographic punches of John Baskerville (1707-75) through heritage science and practice-based research, led by Principal Investigator Prof Marcos Martinón-Torres. The role holder will ensure that the project is administered according to the terms and conditions of the sponsor and in accordance with Research Office and University regulations; they will assist the PI and Co-Is with diary organisation and all aspects of project management, thereby enabling the project to reach its full potential. The role is at 0.4 FTE (equivalent to two days per week), with specifics of working hours to be agreed.
Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Small performances is a three year (2024-2026) interdisciplinary project that will make a substantial contribution to the history of printing technology, whilst ensuring it is a living process that will continue into the future. At its heart is the exceptional collection of typographic punches designed, cut and used at the workshop of England's foremost printer, John Baskerville (1707-75), and now housed in the Historical Printing Room, Cambridge University Library. Bringing together printing historians, heritage scientists, craftspeople, and type designers around the AHRC-funded Cambridge Heritage Science Hub (CHERISH), this project will reconstruct 18th-century punch-cutting using a combination of pioneering scientific and artisanal methods that will benefit current industrial and craft applications as well as educational projects.
Further details can be found here
Research Assistant/Associate in Heritage Science (Fixed Term)
The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2026 in the first instance.
Closing date: 15th September 2023
At the intersection among the arts, science, and technology, printing is widely recognised as the invention of the millennium. However, and in spite of a resurgence of traditional typographic methods among artists and craftspeople, letterpress equipment and technology face an uncertain future.
Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Small performances is a three year (2024-2026) interdisciplinary project that will make a substantial contribution to the history of printing technology, whilst ensuring it is a living process that will continue into the future. At its heart is the exceptional collection of typographic punches designed, cut and used at the workshop of England's foremost printer, John Baskerville (1707-75), and now housed in the Historical Printing Room, Cambridge University Library. Bringing together printing historians, heritage scientists, craftspeople, and type designers around the AHRC-funded Cambridge Heritage Science Hub (CHERISH), this project will reconstruct 18th-century punch-cutting using a combination of pioneering scientific and artisanal methods that will benefit current industrial and craft applications as well as educational projects.
A key element of the project will be the reverse engineering of the craft of punch-cutting, through a combination of pioneering scientific analyses borrowed from heritage science, engineering and archaeology, and experimental replications involving jewellers, blacksmiths, metal engravers, and typeface designers. Using forensic and engineering approaches, we will evaluate the loss of design fidelity that occurs between the manufacture of the punch and the character that appears in the printed book. We will also digitise Baskerville’s key books and create a new digital Baskerville typeface, in addition to a variety of knowledge exchange ventures.
Further details can be found here
