Research Associate/Fellow in Amazon Palaeoecology (Fixed Term)

Join the Nottingham Pollen Lab! We are seeking applications for a Research Associate/Fellow (Postdoc) in Amazon Palaeoecology at the University of Nottingham, UK. 

About the Project 

The successful candidate will become part of an ambitious, multi-disciplinary research initiative: “Voices of Indigenous Amazonia: historical processes of sociobiodiversity in the face of the challenges of the Anthropocene”. The project brings together leading institutions and researchers across the UK and Brazil.

The project proposes to study Amazonian biodiversity and its interactions with native peoples, in the long term, within the Upper Negro Indigenous Territory (TI ARN, Amazonas state. This territory stands out for its complex and varied ethnic, historical, and socio-environmental configurations.

Key Responsibilities

The appointed researcher will:

1- Analyse lake sediment cores and soil profiles collected near archaeological sites in the Brazilian NW Amazon.

2- Conduct phytolith, pollen, charcoal, lithological, and/or geochemical analyses to reconstruct late Holocene vegetation, fire regimes, and patterns of land use.

3- Work in close collaboration with fellow researchers and Co-Investigators across the project, contributing to data integration and workshops.

4- Disseminate findings through publications in leading international journals and presentations at major conferences.

5- Play an active role in departmental and school activities, including workshops and seminars.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should demonstrate:

· A PhD (awarded or within 6 months of completion) in Geography/Palaeoecology/Ecology/Archaeology or related field.

· Proven expertise in Quaternary techniques (phytoliths, pollen, charcoal) for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction.

· Strong skills in statistical analysis and interpretation of ecological datasets.

· Excellent time management and organisational abilities.

· Clear and effective communication skills, both written and oral, for engagement with academic and professional audiences.

· Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset.

The position will commence on 1st March 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The post is funded for 14 months or until the end of the Voices of Indigenous Amazonia Project (Nov 2027), whichever comes first. This post is full time (36.25 hours per week).

Please contact Dr Marco Raczka on marco.raczka@nottingham.ac.uk if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

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