Horsepower metal postdoctoral researcher

The role will focus on the scientific examination and analysis of metal objects in line with the aims of the Horsepower project and to take a role in the preparation of publications and project outreach. Horsepower is ERC-UKRI co-funded project to examine the rise of early states in China and Mongolia through the flow of horses and metals. This is a six-year ten-million-euro synergy project between the University of Oxford, University of Toulouse France, Leibniz Institute of Archaeology Germany and BM, starting from May 2023. BM is responsible for chemical and isotopic chemistry of the bronze objects from both museum collections and excavations, as well as chronological reconstruction for the whole project.

Key areas of responsibility: To undertake compositional analysis of metal objects, primarily those made of copper-based alloys. To determine the provenance, flow, recycling, and manufacturing technology of the metal objects according to research goals and priorities. To sample various archaeological sites in Mongolia, China and other related regions for metal artefacts and related remains to be analysed. To critically evaluate the existing modelling methods for used in the interpretation of metal compositions and produce new statistical modelling for the potential mixing and recycling of metal objects and high-quality reports including data visualisation and statistical analysis.

About you: PhD research in a relevant subject including archaeological science, material sciences, analytical science, computer science Experience in archaeometallurgy Proficiency in modelling complex data Research and publication Open, effective communicator with good spoken and written English Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team but to lead on key aspects of role Archaeological Fieldwork experience (Desirable) Experience in modelling complex data, either spatial or temporal (Desirable)

About the British Museum: Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.

Benefits: Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays. Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme. Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions Participation in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections. Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans Professional and personal development opportunities Employee Assistance Programme Discounts on food and gift shop purchases.

Visa requirements: We have a legal responsibility to ensure that employees have the right to work in the UK. If you currently do not hold the right to work in the UK, we can only sponsor a limited number of roles that meet eligibility criteria. To offer a sponsorship, the job role you apply needs to be in the list of eligible occupations. Additionally (with some limited exceptions), the role will need to meet the minimum salary threshold of £38,700 or the going rate for the job, whichever is the highest.