PhD Project on “Palynology in Egypt and early agriculture” at Brunel University, London

The Queen’s Anniversary Prize winning Institute for the Environment at Brunel University, London, is offering an innovative PhD project on “Palynology in Egypt and early agriculture” via the NERC London Doctoral Training Partnership in collaboration with University College London (Prof. Roger Flower).

Project Description:
High-resolution palaeoenvironmental analysis of Lake Moeris and implication for agricultural origins in Egypt

Ancient Egyptian Lake Moeris is in an area that is one of the world’s most important centres for the development of Neolithic farming. Some of first Egyptian Neolithic settlements were established around this Nile flood-fed lake during a period of rapid environmental and cultural transitions. Recent studies of Moeris sediments have revealed a unique sequence of laminites spanning approximately 10-7,000 years BP. These sediments are generally indicative of humid conditions and contain an archive of past environments. Analysis of sedimentary plant microfossils, charcoal and biomarkers is crucial to understanding how climate and landscapes changed during this critical period for early farming in Egypt. Site reconstruction will focus on records of plant domesticates introduced before 6500 BP and establishing links with the fertile crescent of SW Asia and elsewhere in Africa. Results will permit new insights into how early farming developed in relation to climate and landscape change.

Suitable candidates should have a first degree in archaeology, geography, biology or a closely related environmental science.

Applicants should apply via the NERC London DTP website:

<http://london-nerc-dtp.org/2014/11/03/applications-are-now-open/>

The NERC DTP studentships are available to UK nationals and other EU nationals that have resided in the UK for three years prior to commencing the studentship.  If you meet this criteria, funding will be provided for tuition fees and stipend.  If you are a citizen of a EU member state you will eligible for a fees-only award. There are however a limited number of studentships offered by the consortium that will fund EU nationals for both fees and stipend.

More information about the Institute for the Environment can be found at:

<http://www.brunel.ac.uk/ife>

The deadline for applications is midnight on Monday 11th January 2015

Informal enquiries can be made to Prof. Suzanne Leroy, [log in to unmask]