Research Assistant (Geoarchaeology)

Research

• Undertake the collection of research data; this may be through a variety of research
methods, mostly scientific analyses.
• Implement and document appropriate research methods associated with the particular
area of research and accurately record results.
• Develop and maintain skills in relevant research methodologies.
• Ensure that full and accurate documentation is kept for all work and ensure that all
policies and processes, including quality assurance, are maintained and adhered to.
• Liaise with other researchers, both internal and external, and collaborate to execute
project deliverables.
• Contribute to the analysis of research data as directed, liaise regularly with the principal
investigator about study progress, writing progress reports as required.
• Assist in the preparation and submission of papers for presentation at regional, national
or international conferences and for publication in peer review journals.
• Help to present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies funding
research.
• Liaise as required with support staff.
• Carry out administrative tasks related to the delivery of the research, planning work to
agreed specifications, time and quality standards.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and
deadlines.
• Maintain high standards of academic confidentiality. Comply with relevant protocols
regarding data confidentiality and security.
• Attend and contribute to research/subject group meetings.
• Engage with and participate in the University's appraisal process.
• LJMU are committed to adhering to the Principles set out in the Researcher
Development Concordat; in line with this all fixed-term researchers will be supported to complete 10 days professional development activities per year (pro-rata).Citizenship
• Contribute to a supportive working environment and develop productive working
relationships with other team and University members.
• Attend and contribute to staff meetings.
• Act as an ambassador for the University in all interactions with current and prospective
staff and students, visitors to the University, external partners, media and general public.
• Promote the University's values of an inclusive and diverse community.
Post Specific Duties:
• Carry out analytical procedures including sample preparation and analyses of sediments
from Shanidar Cave. Analyses may include determination of sediment grain size by laser granulometry, sediment colour, geochemistry by X-ray fluorescence, magnetic susceptibility, total nitrogen, total carbon and total organic carbon. NB full training will be provided.
• Carry out data entry into a database and where necessary convert machine output into forms
suitable for entry into a database.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade as deemed necessary by the Director of
Biological & Environmental Sciences.
• A commitment to LJMU's values and regulations and Equality and Diversity Policy.
• Commitment to adhere to and promote the ethos of Respect Always as set out in the
Respect Always Charter.
• Liverpool John Moores University recognises and is aware of its Social, Economic and
Environmental responsibilities. The post holder is required to minimise the environmental impact in the performance of the role, contribute to (and supervise if applicable) the implementation of environmental improvement measures and actively contribute to the delivery of LJMU's Environmental Management and Sustainability Policy and the Climate and Sustainability Plan.
• The post-holder's mandatory Health and Safety responsibilities, which have been
agreed by the University's Executive Leadership Team, are contained in Section 2 of the University's Safety Management Code of Practice (MCP1) Organisation for the Implementation of the Health and Safety Policy. The post-holder's mandatory Environmental Management responsibilities are contained in Section 2 of the University's Environmental Management Code of Practice (ECP1) Organisation for the Implementation of the Environmental Management and Sustainability Policy.

The person specification describes the skills, experience, knowledge and aptitude requiredto perform the duties of this post effectively. The criteria order listed should not be taken toimply their relative importance. Both paid and unpaid experience may be relevant., A degree in Geography, Geology, Anthropology, Archaeology, A, RForensic Science, Environmental Science or a cognate subject at2.1 level or aboveCapable of working independently R, IGood time management RWillingness to learn I, RAbility to conduct routine tasks carefully and rigorously R, IGood communication skills including written and oral presentation A, I, R, PExperience of laboratory working protocols R, P, IExperience with data management and reporting R, P, IExperience of managing project deadlines and delivering project R, P, Ioutcomes, Postgraduate experience at Master's or Doctoral level in some A, Raspect of Geography, Geology, Anthropology, Archaeology,Forensic Science, Environmental Science or a cognate subjectExperience with laboratory sampling and analysis of sediments I, R, PKnowledge of relevant health and safety policy and practice R, P, I

Financial benefits: Competitive salaries based on a low contractual 35 hour working week. 17.5% employer contributions to pensions for non-academic staff enrolled into Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). 28.68% employer contribution to pensions for teaching staff enrolled into the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS). Work life balance: Excellent annual leave provision. 30 days for support staff and 35 days for staff and senior managers grade 8 and above. 8 UK bank holidays and up to 5 University closure days between Christmas and New Year. Family friendly policies and a range of benefits to support including job-shares, flexible working hours and part-time roles where possible. Health and wellbeing: Regular wellbeing support initiatives throughout the year. Access to a trained counsellor via Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Plus a programme of activities and range of support and resources to help look after your mental and physical wellbeing. Career Benefits: Continuous development opportunities to enhance your knowledge and meet your career ambitions, including LinkedIn Learning. Making a difference: LJMU Climate Action - be at the forefront of initiatives to tackle climate change. Share experiences and challenge unfair practices with our Diversity and Inclusion Staff Networks. Opportunity to volunteer at graduation ceremonies, clearing and open days. Discounts and other benefits: A reward and benefits platform, giving savings on day-today purchases across a range of retail outlets. Interest free loans repayable across twelve monthly instalments, including loans for annual travel season tickets and cycle to work scheme. Massively discounted gym and fitness classes at the University Sport Building.