ONE Planet DTP - Exploring human-climate interactions in the wider Caucasus region during the Mid-to-Late Holocene (Ref: OP202010)

The Caucasus Mountains and neighbouring Anatolia are thought to be one of the key localities in the development of modern human societies. Some of the earliest evidence for farming, metallurgy and conjectural achievement leading to the establishment of complex societies has been discovered in this region. However, our understanding of the region’s socio-economic development is based upon disparate archaeological finds, which are often poorly dated. One of the best ways to fill these gaps is to use natural archives of anthropogenic pollution to reconstruct the history of the region’s technological development.
The project will focus on the reconstruction of metallurgical technology in the region via the analysis of heavy metal concentrations and lead isotopes. In addition, the interplay between societal development and climatic change in the region is also uncertain. This is largely due to the lack of high-resolution, multi-proxy studies of palaeoclimate in the region. As such, the second aim of the project will be to reconstruct the region’s climate, using a range of elemental and isotopic methods including Sr and Nd isotopes to investigate changing levels and sources of dust, a proxy for droughts.

This project will be multi-disciplinary, providing the opportunity to work with geochemists, archaeologists and climate scientists. The project will be linked to ongoing work into the history of eastern European societal development being carried out by Dr Jack Longman (University of Oxford) and Dr Daniel Veres (Romanian Academy) who will be co-supervisors. Excellent opportunities will be available for research training on geochemical analysis (elemental and isotopic) and data analysis.

Prerequisites:
The project is suitable for a student with a background in geoscience, chemistry and and/or archaeology, and will involve fieldwork in Georgia. Some experience in geochemistry is desirable, but training can be provided.
For more information, please contact Dr. Vasile Ersek ([Email Address Removed]).

Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply for this funding if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

Please note: Applications that do not include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words (not a copy of the advert), or that do not include the advert reference (e.g. OP.....) will not be considered.

Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff. We welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of our commitment to improving employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.