List members may be interested in the following studentship opportunity at
the University of Reading. Please contact Dr Muldner (see advert) if so.
Petra Dark
University of Reading, School of Human and Environmental Sciences
University funded PhD Studentship - October 2008
Department of Archaeology
A University PhD studentship is offered for the following research topic.
This funding is open to applications from UK and EU students. Tuition fees
and a stipend will be paid for three years. The closing date for
applications is 28 April 2008.
Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses of archaeological and
experimentally grown cereals from Jordan: Potential uses for the
reconstruction of past climate and water management. (Dr G H Müldner and Dr
E Jenkins) Email: [log in to unmask] Tel. 0118 378 7389.
Project Outline
Using a unique set of samples made available through cereal growing
experiments conducted in Jordan as part of Reading University's "Water,
Life and Civilization" project as well as ancient cereals from the Middle
Eastern region, this PhD will provide a re-evaluation of the use of stable
isotope analysis of cereals from archaeological contexts for the
reconstruction of climate and water management practices in the past.
Ultimately, the project will produce a set of reference data of great
relevance to environmental reconstruction and palaeodietary studies in the
Middle Eastern/North African region.
Training
In addition to the generic research skills associated with PhD-level study,
the student will receive training and gain expertise in: sampling
strategies, experimental design and hypothesis testing, preparation of
modern and archaeological plant samples for carbon and nitrogen stable
isotope analysis, continuous-flow light isotope ratio mass-spectrometry,
statistical analysis and interpretation of isotopic data-sets in relation
to environmental and dietary reconstruction and with specific reference to
the archaeology of the Near East, as well as taphonomy and diagenesis of
plant remains from archaeological sites.
Applications are invited for this project from students with an upper
second class honours degree or above in archaeology, archaeological or
environmental science, or a related discipline. For further details, or for
an informal discussion, please contact the project supervisor named above.
The last Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) awarded Reading Archaeology 5*,
the highest possible mark, and our teaching provision has been graded
excellent by the Quality Assurance Agency.
www.reading.ac.uk/archaeology/pg-research/arch-pgrabout.asp
Application Procedure Application forms and full project description(s) are
available from: Elizabeth Wyeth, Research Administrator, School of Human
Environmental Sciences, Email: [log in to unmask]
Application forms can be also be downloaded from:
http://www.reading.ac.uk/Study/study-pg.asp .
Reading lies in a purpose built campus on the M4 corridor with excellent
transport links to London (50 mins) and Heathrow airport (40 mins).
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