Anticipated start date for project: 1 October 2013
Closing date for applications: 15 August 2013
This project will provide an assessment of lithic scatters and their landscape context in an area of England where little is currently known about Final Palaeolithic and Mesolithic landscape use and activity. The area will be chosen by you, depending on your interests, or in discussion with the supervisors. It will involve an assessment of regional distributions using GIS, lithic analysis of existing collections and fieldwork in one or more defined areas to improve understanding of ploughzone assemblages. The development of an understanding of landscape use in the Final Palaeolithic and Mesolithic, within a theoretical and conservation framework, will both improve academic knowledge of the period and assist in the protection and management of lithic scatters.
The aims of the project are to assess the utility of lithic scatter evidence for producing an interpretative account of Final Palaeolithic and Mesolithic patterns of landscape use and to develop an understanding of the location and character of Final Palaeolithic and Mesolithic sites that can inform heritage protection initiatives.
The award will be based at the University of Manchester, in partnership with English Heritage and co-supervised by Dr Chantal Conneller of the University of Manchester and Dr Jonathan Last of English Heritage.
Qualifications applicants should have/expected to receive: The usual AHRC eligibility rules apply to these studentships, including having an appropriate masterâs degree at merit level or equivalent by November 2013 and AHRCâs residential requirements.
Amount of funding available and eligibility: Fully funded PhD studentship, comprising payment of tuition fees and a maintenance award of £13,726 per annum. English Heritage will contribute up to £2000 pa to project costs, including student research expenses. The usual AHRC eligibility rules apply to these studentships, including having an appropriate masterâs degree at merit level or equivalent by November 2013 and AHRCâs residential requirements.
Contact for further information: Chantal Conneller chantal. conneller@manchester.ac.uk or Jonathan Last Jonathan.Last@English-Heritage.org.uk
How to Apply: Applications consisting of a CV, a covering letter explaining why you would be suitable for this research project, and a sample of written work, should be submitted to Phil Pollard (Philip.Pollard@english-heritage.org.uk) by 5pm 15 August. Interviews are expected to take place in Manchester 29 August 2013.
You will require a masterâs degree at merit level or equivalent in archaeology with expertise in, or the ability to quickly learn about, current Late Palaeolithic and Mesolithic research themes, lithic technology, fieldwalking methods, GIS and landscape modelling.