Research Assistant (organic residue analysis for MOWAA post-excavation research) - London

Role Summary

Research Assistant (organic residue analysis for MOWAA post-excavation research)
Scientific Research
Full-time, 41 hours per week (including one hour paid lunch break)
Fixed term (12 months)
£ 35,165 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on 15 November 2024

About the role:

Main purpose of Job:

The post-holder will carry out an organic residue analysis pilot study as part of the post-excavation phase of the MOWAA Archaeology Project (Benin City, Nigeria). They will use molecular analysis techniques to assess the preservation potential of food residues preserved on excavated ceramics.  

Context

The MOWAA Archaeology Project is delivering pre-construction archaeology in the centre of Nigeria’s historic Benin City, in the context of the development of a pioneering new cultural campus for the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA). The project aims to improve understanding of the history of the Kingdom of Benin and includes the study of the Kingdom's historic arts traditions, urban growth and cultural development, using the latest archaeological and scientific technology and approaches.

The project is a partnership with the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), and UK delivery partners, Cambridge Archaeological Unit and Wessex Archaeology.

Post-excavation analysis of material from the site taking place at the British Museum includes study of organic residues from the ceramic assemblage which will be the focus for this post. The research will apply established approaches for extraction and detection of lipid residues and for interpretation of data acquired within the context of the overall project aims. The postholder will be based in the laboratories of the Scientific Research department at the British Museum (in London) and will work in collaboration with scientists and curators at the BM as well as in liaison with the project team in Nigeria. They will also support a placement at the BM from a visiting member of the MOWAA team focused around the analysis.

Key areas of responsibility:

• To undertake analysis of archaeological food residues, using GC-MS pyrolysis-GC-MS, and other analytical techniques, such as microscopy, as required by the demands of the project.
• To adhere to best practice and established protocols within the BM’s facilities for organic analysis, including data management policies and laboratory health and safety.
• To deliver a report on the organic residues associated with ceramics from the MOWAA excavations within the framework of post-excavation reporting for the project as a whole.

• To produce wider research outputs e.g. through publication, conference presentations, website/social media and participation in public events.
• To collaborate with the project team.

About you:

• BA/BSc (or equivalent) in a relevant science subject
• Experience in the analysis of organic materials, especially food residues, using GC-MS and/or pyrolysis-GC-MS.
• Experience of research.
• Working in a university department, analytical laboratory, museum or cultural heritage related environment.
• Good problem solving and organisational capabilities.
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Open, effective communicator with good spoken and written English

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.

You can view a selection of our impressive collection of prints and drawings in our virtual gallery .

The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including:

• 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 (find out here what benefits a civil service pension provides).
• 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

Additional details:

For more information about this role, please see the job description.

If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to .

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. You can find more information here: 

The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated because of their relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.

We offer a flexible way of working scheme that allows our employees to work remotely in a way that suits them and the organisation. We welcome questions and conversations at interview stage about how flexible working could work for you. We would typically see this role as working on site about 4-5 days a week.

The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.