Research Fellow: Human Adaptation to Coastal Evolution

To contribute to the AHRC/Xuan Truong Enterprise funded research project Human Adaptation to Coastal Evolution: Late Quaternary evidence from Southeast Asia (SUNDASIA) – PI: Ryan Rabett (Queen’s University Belfast), CI: Fiona Coward (Bournemouth University), CI: Tran Tan Van (Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources).

MAJOR DUTIES:

• To work with sea-level, chronometric, topographic (Digital Elevation Models), and geological data obtained for Tràng An’s World Heritage nomination by the Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources (VIGMR).
• To undertake additional survey and mapping fieldwork where required.
• To prepare detailed digital maps collating all available information on the extent and evolution of each of the three marine transgressions recorded around the Tràng An massif: the Quang Xuong (c. 2600-1500 cal. years before present [BP]), the Dong Da (Flandrian) (c. 7000-4000 cal. BP) and the little known Vinh Phuc transgression (c. 59,000-30,000 BP).
• To undertake further data acquisition in the field, and explore through GIS terrain mapping the relationship between Tràng An’s record of archaeological sites and its landscape (including characteristics such as slope orientation and ratio, geology, proxi.
• To assess the factors influencing patterns of forager settlement in the context of landscape evolution across the three cycles of marine transgression and regression recorded in the region. Planning and Organising: Plan for specific aspects of research programmes.
• Timescales range from 1-6 months in advance and contribute to research group planning.
• Plan for the use of research resources, laboratories and workshops where appropriate.
• Plan own day-to day activity within framework of the agreed research programme.
• Plan up to a year in advance to meet deadlines for journal publications and to prepare presentations and papers for conferences.
• Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over work progress.

Resource Management Responsibilities:

• Ensure research resources are used in an effective and efficient manner.
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research.

Internal and External Relationships:

• Liaise on a regular basis with colleagues and students.
• Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration.
• Join external networks to share information and ideas.
• Contribute to the School’s outreach programme by establishing links with local community groups, industries etc.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• PhD in archaeology and GIS, or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years' relevant research experience.
• Good publication record commensurate with the stage in career.
• Sufficient breadth and depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.
• Ability to contribute to teaching in UG and PG programmes related to the subject of research.
• Ability to contribute to broader management and administrative processes.
• Contribute to the School’s outreach programme by links with industry, community groups etc.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Ability to build contacts and participate in internal and external networks.
• Ability to deal professionally with partners from industry.
• Demonstrable intellectual ability.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to assess and organise resources.
• Ability to report weekly to Principal Investigator and agree programme of work.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and schedules agreed with Principal Investigator.
• Willing and able to undertake recurring periods of fieldwork in a tropical country.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• Ability to integrate GIS knowledge with geological, computer modelling or other area of expertise relevant to the fulfilment of the wider project aims and objectives. Knowledge of Southeast Asian prehistory, limestone karst environments, and/or coastal archaeology.
• Evidence of experience working with the media and/or using social media platforms to disseminate research to a wider and varied audiences.
• Evidence of working in industry or collaborating with industrial partners.
• Evidence of taking lead role in some investigations.
• Evidence of being open to new ideas and new ways of doing things.
• Ability to start immediately.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: SUNDASIA explores how prehistoric communities adapted to three cycles of coastal inundation over the last 60,000 years in northern Vietnam. Data emerging from the project will extend our current knowledge of prehistory in the tropics. It will also be used to inform models and responses to modern climate-induced rising seas in Southeast Asia – where sea-levels are currently increasing at three times the global average. The project is centred on the Tràng An Landscape Complex World Heritage site, Ninh Binh province, Vietnam. This appointment will involve recurring periods of fieldwork in a tropical country. The PDRF will be expected to participate fully in field excavations and as well as conduct data-collection pertaining to their own position. Applicants are, therefore, strongly advised to take into account their level of physical fitness, field experience and resilience, as well as academic capabilities when preparing their application.