Research Fellow in Qin Dynasty Wood, Charcoal and Iron Production

Ref Number B03-02985 Professional Expertise Research and Research Support Department UCL SLASH (B03) 08-May-2026 About us The UCL Institute of Archaeology is recognised as one of the leading academic departments of Archaeology and Heritage in the world. It is the largest department within its field in the UK. It offers a uniquely stimulating environment with more than 60 staff pursuing high-quality research across five continents. We are at the forefront of global archaeology, conservation and heritage studies and have well-equipped laboratory facilities for archaeological science. Our department has been an academic hub for archaeobotany, anthracology and archaeological materials science for many years, whilst also being the UK-side of a two-decades long collaboration with the Terracotta Army Museum in China. To find out more about the Institute of Archaeology, visit our webpage at UCL Institute of Archaeology About the role We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow with a general background in the relationship between iron production and other resource use in the Qin imperial period, and with a particular specialism in wood and charcoal analysis. The postholder will join an interdisciplinary team of researchers working on a collaborative project (Imperial Logistics: The Making of the Terracotta Army) between the Terracotta Army Museum and the UCL Institute of Archaeology. They will work on an AHRC funded project on Qin iron production, as viewed through the lens of the First Emperor's mausoleum complex. They will bring experience in the study of Qin iron and other objects, which is the overall project focus, but will bring particular expertise in the study of wood and charcoal resources with a view to contextualising the role of the latter materials in support of contemporary metal industries of the Qin State and Qin Dynasty, China (897–206 BCE). The post is available from 1 September 2026 and is funded until 31 August 2027. About you The post holder will have a PhD* in Archaeology/Archaeological Science or a closely related discipline, with a focus on the analysis of archaeological wood remains. They will have detailed knowledge of wood species from Shaanxi province and neighbouring areas and a working knowledge of isotopic approaches to wood remains and provenance.

• The successful candidate will have obtained, or be close to obtaining, their PhD (within six months of submission). Appointment at Grade 7 is dependant upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B (salary £39,148 - £41,833 per annum including London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

Further details about the post and a person specification can be found in the Job Description (linked below).
To apply for the vacancy, please click on the Apply Now button. Candidates are asked to also upload the following documents:

• A full CV (including academic and employment history, and any additional relevant skills)
• A Cover Letter that states how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria as listed in the person specification within the job description
• Evidence of qualifications

Please refer to the application process within the job description for guidance on completing your cover letter. Queries about the post may be addressed to Prof. Andrew Bevan at a.bevan@ucl.ac.uk. If you have any queries about the application process, please contact Louisa Goldsmith (HR Administrator) at l.goldsmith@ucl.ac.uk. What we offer As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more. This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/