Postdoctoral Research Associate in Archaeology (Emergency Assessment of Threats to Heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh) (Job Number: 21000745)

Durham University

Durham University is one of the world's top universities with strengths across the Arts and Humanities, Sciences and Social Sciences. We are home to some of the most talented scholars and researchers from around the world who are tackling global issues and making a difference in people's lives.

The University sits in a beautiful historic city where it shares ownership of a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Durham Cathedral, the greatest Romanesque building in Western Europe. A collegiate University, Durham recruits outstanding students from across the world and offers an unmatched wider student experience.

Less than 3 hours north of London, and an hour and a half south of Edinburgh, County Durham is a region steeped in history and natural beauty. The Durham Dales, including the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are home to breathtaking scenery and attractions. Durham offers an excellent choice of city, suburban and rural residential locations. The University provides a range of benefits including pension and childcare benefits and the University’s Relocation Manager can assist with potential schooling requirements.

Durham University seeks to promote and maintain an inclusive and supportive environment for work and study that assists all members of our University community to reach their full potential. Diversity brings strength and we welcome applications from across the international, national and regional communities that we work with and serve.

The Department

Durham University’s Department of Archaeology is one of the UK’s best Departments of Archaeology with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students. We are regularly ranked one of the top three Archaeology departments in the UK (e.g. 2nd Research Excellence Framework [REF] 2014, 3rd in The Guardian University Guide 2021 and Complete University Guide 2021) and one of the top four globally (World University QS rankings 2021). Our expertise covers a broad chronological and geographical span, from the Palaeolithic to the present-day, and from South Asia to the Mediterranean, Europe and the British Isles. We have a strong research presence in the Middle East, that embraces fieldwork, visual and material culture studies and bioarchaeology.  We have a range of cutting-edge laboratories, including well-developed facilities for isotopic research, extensive commercial infrastructure, and a network of heritage-sector collaborators. The Department of Archaeology works closely with staff in two Durham University museums, the Oriental Museum and the Museum of Archaeology. These house some outstanding archaeological collections, including East Asian and Middle and Near Eastern antiquities. For further information on our current projects, research and teaching see www.dur.ac.uk/archaeology. 

The Role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Archaeology (Emergency Assessment of Threats to Heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh).  Reporting to Principal Investigators, Professors Graham Philip, and Dan Lawrence, the postholder will work on the project entitled Emergency Assessment of Threats to Heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh which is funded by the ALIPH Foundation (International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas). The primary role of the post-holder will be to establish a baseline dataset for heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh, to identify and document damage and analyse the resulting data trends and patterns. The post-holder will undertake the interpretation of satellite imagery, record creation, data management and analysis in support of the aims of the project. S/he will work alongside a team of researchers already in Durham that is engaged in the project ‘Endangered Archaeology in the Middle East and North Africa’ (EAMENA).  The postholder will also engage in project-related administration and other activities supporting the work of the project.

Responsibilities:

• To publish high-quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research and a significant contribution to the priority areas of heritage protection activity in Nagorno-Karabakh.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others for the interpretation of satellite imagery and aerial photography in Nagorno-Karabakh.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment that is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by the membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.   

To deliver the following specific research objectives:

• Creation of a systematic baseline dataset for tangible heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh (i.e. archaeological sites and standing historic buildings), primarily on the basis of satellite imagery, but also using available published sources.
• Undertaking a condition assessment of heritage places, using the methodology of the EAMENA project.
• Creation of appropriate digital records in a form suitable for uploading to the EAMENA database.
• Analyse and research trends and patterns within the dataset.
• Production of a suitable end-of-project report for the funder in collaboration with the PIs.
• Identification, acquisition and processing of suitable satellite imagery.
• Maintenance of a project GIS and database system including appropriate metadata.

This post is fixed-term for a period of 6 months, set by the availability of project funding.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1November 2021

How to Apply

For informal enquiries please contact the Principal Investigator, Prof Graham Philip  ([email protected]).  All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence. 

We prefer to receive applications online via the Durham University Vacancies Site. https://www.dur.ac.uk/jobs/. As part of the application process, you should provide details of 3 (preferably academic/research) referees and the details of your current line manager so that we may seek an employment reference.

At Durham University, our aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.  We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our workforce including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds that are applicable to some visas 

What to Submit

 All applicants are asked to submit:

• A CV
• Covering letter which details your experience, strengths and potential in the requirements set out above;

The Realising Your Potential Approach clarifies the behaviours expected to be demonstrated by all staff across Professional Services in the University regardless of their role. Along with the core responsibilities, role responsibilities and the person specification, the Realising Your Potential Approach behavioural indicators are used to inform the recruitment and selection process. Further information on the Realising Your Potential Approach is available here.

Next Steps

The assessment for the post will consist of a short presentation on your current knowledge and experience of working with satellite imagery for archaeological purposes and an interview. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an online interview in  September.

The Requirements

Essential:

Qualifications

• A good first degree in Archaeology or a related subject
• A PhD (or be close to submission) in Archaeology or a related subject.

Experience

• Experience in conducting high quality academic research.
• Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.
• Demonstrable ability to present research papers at national or international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
• Experience in undertaking archaeological survey work in one or more of the East Mediterranean, Middle East, South Caucasus, Central Asia.
• Experience of independent management of a discrete area of a research project.

Skills

• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent knowledge of archaeological survey and field techniques, especially in one or more of the East Mediterranean, Middle East, South Caucasus, Central Asia.
• Excellent knowledge of GIS software and familiarity with database systems.
• Excellent knowledge of image processing techniques as applied to archaeological research including some familiarity with techniques for image geocorrection and enhancement.

Desirable:

Experience

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
• A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.

Skills

• Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research. 
• A reading knowledge of one or more of: Russian, Azerbaijani, Armenian, Turkish.
• Some knowledge of the Arches database platform.