[Neutron] PhD project

[Antonella Scherillo - STFC UKRI]

Daer Neutron Community,


Newcastle University (UK) announces a call for a PhD scholarship on a project titled Technological choice and variability in prehistoric metalworking: a transdisciplinary investigation, funded by the AHRC Northern Bridge Doctoral Training Partnership as a Collaborative Doctoral Award. The partner organisation is ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, STFC, UKRI.

Project Summary

This project investigates variability and social choice in prehistoric metalworking through an innovative transdisciplinary approach that integrates experimental archaeology, materials science, and a critical review of social studies on craft practice. The student will develop a novel understanding of artisan skill, sensory perception, communities of practice, and craft specialisation in prehistoric bronzeworking. The research will provide new insights into the social context of early European metallurgy, reassessing the enduring link between metallurgy and the rise of social complexity. Through this work, the student will acquire a unique transdisciplinary skillset that will significantly enhance their intellectual profile and employability.



Prospective candidates are advised to look at the full project proposal here: https://northernbridge.ac.uk/applyforastudentship/cda/

Value and duration of the award

Tuition fees paid at a rate equivalent to the UK home fee. For international students, Newcastle University will generously cover the difference between home and international fees through the university’s Global Scholarships Scheme. Costs for relocating to the UK cannot be covered.

A yearly stipend paid in regular instalments. Awards increase every year, typically with inflation. As an indicator, the level for 2024/2025 is £19,237.

A contribution to research costs of £600 per annum. Additionally, award holders can apply to a Northern Bridge fund reserved to support primary research costs.

Duration of the award: 3.5 years full-time or 7 years part-time. Funding can be extended up to 4 years by undertaking a placement at the partner organisation or another non-higher-education institution. The maximum duration of a UK PhD is 4 years full-time (8 years part-time).



Eligibility criteria

Education and Professional qualifications. Essential: Master’s degree in Archaeological Science, Heritage Science, or similar, or an MSc in a relevant science degree, e.g., materials science (Merit or Distinction, or international equivalent). Desirable: BA/BSc in Archaeology, Heritage Studies, or similar, or a BSc in a relevant science degree, e.g., materials science.

Research experience and training. Essential: Foundational knowledge of metallurgy and materials. Desirable: Background knowledge of later prehistoric Britain/Europe. Understanding of material characterisation techniques and metalwork microstructure, e.g., optical and scanning electron microscopy, metallography and neutron techniques.

Professional Practice. Desirable: Bronze casting and working experience. Other professional experience in any of the fields intersected by the project.

Interpersonal Skills. Essential: Excellent verbal and digital communication skills; teamworking; ability to deliver high-quality work to deadlines.

Other Criteria. Essential: Excellent written English; excellent numeracy; IT literate; independence; excellent time management. Desirable: An ability to work across disciplinary boundaries, especially humanities/social sciences vis-à-vis the natural/materials sciences.

How to apply

Expressions of Interest must include:

  1.  A covering letter stating the candidate’s suitability for the project in no more than two sides of an A4 (minimum font size: 10 point). The first page should detail how the candidate meets the eligibility criteria, while the second page should discuss what they would contribute to the project, including any suggestions for improvement.
  2.  A 2-page CV (minimum font size: 10 point).
  3.  Contact details of two referees.
  4.  Transcripts of previous qualifications in English (with a breakdown of course grades, where possible).

Complete Expressions of Interest must be sent to andrea.dolfini at ncl.ac.uk<mailto:andrea.dolfini at ncl.ac.uk> as a single PDF or MS-Word document no later than Monday 3rd February 2025, midnight (UK time).

Shortlisted candidates are expected to be interviewed by videoconference on Friday 7th March.

NB: Please do not apply through the Newcastle University application portal at this stage.



Further information and contact details

For further details on this scholarship, please see https://northernbridge.ac.uk/applyforastudentship/cda/

For Newcastle Archaeology, please see https://www.ncl.ac.uk/hca/about/archaeology/

Please send informal enquiries to andrea.dolfini at ncl.ac.uk<mailto:andrea.dolfini at ncl.ac.uk>




_________________________________

Dr. Antonella Scherillo

INES instrument scientist
ISIS Neutron and Muon Source
Building R3, room 1.51
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Chilton-Didcot
OX11 0QX, United Kingdom

Office:  +44 1235 445718
Mobile  +44 7825658049  (short code 1979)
E-mail: antonella.scherillo at stfc.ac.uk
_________________________________
[cid:f01d7b0f-5c0b-4657-b3be-37d3e4238fbb]






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