Senior Radiocarbon Dating Specialist

Job Description

Summary

We are calling for an expression of interest to join us as a Senior Radiocarbon Dating Specialist as part of the Scientific Dating Team. The team has expertise in dendrochronology, radiocarbon dating, and other methods of scientific dating and provides research, support and advice to Historic England and the wider sector on the appropriate use of scientific dating techniques, and the chronological modelling of archaeological sites, buildings and sediments.

What you will be doing

You will work closely with other parts of the Investigative Science Team (Fort Cumberland Laboratories and Science Advisors), as well as Historic England’s Archaeological Investigation Team, Regions Group staff, and the wider sector. Our purpose is to understand the character, date and condition of historic places, objects and materials. We develop and promote evidence-based technical policy, standards and best practice. We also provide specialist advice and analysis to all Historic England colleagues, the English Heritage Trust (through a Shared Service agreement) and the wider heritage sector.

As our radiocarbon dating specialist you will act as an intelligent client in the provision of radiocarbon dating and Bayesian chronological modelling in support of research and casework funded by Historic England.

You will ensure advice, training, and guidance on the use of radiocarbon dating chronological modelling is provided in England.

You will also maintain the Radiocarbon Database for England, ensuring new data are made publicly accessible via the Project Radiocarbon portal.

Please note that the role:

• Requires regular travel, including to sites not serviced by public transport and sites which may have challenging access
• Also requires overnight stays for joint working, attending meetings, and training.

Who we are looking for:

• An appropriate qualification, preferably a post-graduate degree, or equivalent experience, in archaeology, historic buildings research, and/or an appropriate science.
• A substantial track-record of research and publication in the application of radiocarbon dating and Bayesian chronological modelling to archaeological sites, past landscapes or historic buildings.
• A good understanding of archaeological post-excavation stratigraphic analysis, with knowledge or experience of English archaeology and/or the historic building sector and its working practices.
• High level practical computing skills, including expert use of chronological modelling software and experience in managing and manipulating relational databases.
• Demonstrable ability to communicate complex information concisely and in plain English to non-experts.

For a full copy of the JD please follow the link below; https://historicengland.org.uk/media/sj5gc4e1/radiocarbon-dating-specialist-updated.odtci

Provisional interview date – Week commencing 22 July 2024, Virtually. 

Please follow the link below for full details and how to apply; Senior Radiocarbon Dating Specialist - Historic England - Applied (beapplied.com)