Research Assistant in Strategic Environmental...

Research Assistant in the Strategic Environmental Archaeology Database (SEAD) project >The project An international database for env-ironmental archaeology data is to be developed at the Environmental ArchaeologyLab (MAL), in collaboration with HUMlab, at Umeå University, Sweden.The web accessible system will allow the storage, extraction, analysis and visualisation of data on past climates, environments and human impacts, and will form part of an international network of research infrastructure for environmental archaeology and Quaternary palaeoecology.The bulk of the data will consist of quantified records of plant macrofossils, fossil insects and soil chemical/physical properties recorded from archaeological and Quaternary geological excavations.By comparing these data with modern ecology and distribution data, along with an interpretation of the soil data, it is possible to reconstruct past human and natural environments and derive palaeoclimate data.Our mission is to provide online tools to aid international researchers in these tasks, and to provide access to data that are currently not accessible online.>The job The post is part data manager, requiring the collation, assessment, conversion and input of existing analogue and digital data; and part systems developer, requiring involvement in the design of systems for data input, retrieval, analysis and display.You will be expected to work on your own to a large degree, as part of a small team under the direction of the project manager.>Essential skills and qualifications Bachelors (or equivalent) degree in biological/natural science subjects, archaeological sciences or computing and either: - a Masters (or equivalent) which complements the above - relevant experience or documented equivalent skills Experience of working with databases and/or web based content creation/management Excellent written and spoken English and Swedish General natural science knowledge (in particular scientific naming conventions, an understanding of basic statistics, conventions and methodologies) Experience of project based work and an ability to work to deadlines Imagination, good analytical skills and an inter-disciplinary mindset.For complete ad http://www.umu.se/umu/aktuellt/arkiv/lediga_tjanster/312-1510-08.html Full time, starting 2008-05-01 (or as soon as possible after this date).Six months initial employment with possibility for continuation until 2010-12-31.>Further information For further information contact Dr.Please also visit the preliminary pro-ject website at http://sead.bugscep.com, and the Environmental Archaeology Lab website at www.umu.se/envarchlab/mal.Documents sent electronically should be in MS Word or PDF format.To apply, send a CV and cover letter in English outlining how your skills and experience could benefit the project.