Postdoctoral Research Associate (Archaeology) at Durham University

Durham, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

21 Jul, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

22 Apr, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Yes

Skills

Bioarchaeology, Forensic anthropology, Human skeletal analysis, Infant skeletal analysis, Academic research, Technical writing, Communication, Project management, Digital resource development, Team collaboration, Problem solving, Data-sets, Multimedia software, Photoshop, Graphic design

Industry

Higher Education

Description

Working at Durham University A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a warm and friendly place to work, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. As one of the UK’s leading universities, Durham is an incredible place to define your career. The University is located within a beautiful historic city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by stunning countryside. Our talented scholars and researchers from around the world are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world. Being a part of Durham is about more than just the success of the University, it’s also about contributing to the success of the city, county and community. Our University Strategy is built on three pillars of research, education and wider student experience, but also on our keen sense of community and of inspiring others to achieve their potential. Our Purpose and Values We want our University to be a place where people can be free to be themselves, no matter what their identity or background. Together, we celebrate difference, value one another and are each responsible for creating an inclusive community that is respectful and fair for all. Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page The Role and Department Durham University's Department of Archaeology is one of the UK's best Departments of Archaeology with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students. We are regularly ranked one of the top three Archaeology departments in the UK (e.g. 2nd in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 2nd in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026) and one of the top ten departments globally (6th in the World University QS rankings 2025). Our expertise covers a broad chronological and geographical span, from the Palaeolithic to the present-day, and from South Asia to the Mediterranean, Europe and the British and Irish Isles, including a strong suite of research projects in the Middle East. For further information on our current projects, research and teaching see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/archaeology/. The Role The Department of Archaeology at Durham University seeks to appoint a talented researcher to the role of Postdoctoral Research Associate. The successful candidate will have expertise in bioarchaeology, with particular experience in the analysis of infants. They will be responsible for developing digital resources from existing materials to upskill archaeological and forensic science professionals in the excavation and analysis of infant skeletal remains from archaeological and forensic contexts. These resources will contribute towards the Continuing Professional Development of relevant practitioners, as well as provide key learning resources for interested parties. The successful applicant will be expected to work collaboratively with other technical staff to develop and create appropriate resources. The project is led by Dr Claire Hodson and Professor Rebecca Gowland. Key responsibilities To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the project team, as well as in appropriate formats for wider dissemination in line with the project scope. To conduct individual and collaborative research under the direction of the Principal Investigator. To work with the Principal Investigator and other colleagues as appropriate, to identify, collate and present appropriate resources. To address problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions. To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research and support the development of new research methods and extending the research portfolio. To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration. To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects. To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. To assist with the development and delivery of the project objectives through the preparation and creation of digitised e-resources. To populate the project website with relevant resources in cooperation with the website development team. This post is fixed term for 3 months at 1FTE (or for 6 months at 0.5FTE) as the project is time-limited. The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols. The successful applicant will, ideally, be in post by the 1st July. Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: • 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year. • The University closes between Christmas and New Year – please include or delete if not applicable. • We offer a generous pension scheme. As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS). • No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. • There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. • Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. • On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16. • Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). • The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community • Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. • A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. • If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas. Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here. Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key component of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our Purpose and Values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all colleagues undertake activities that are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI. We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under-represented in our work force, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups. If you have taken a career break or periods of leave that may have impacted on the volume and recency of your research outputs and other activities, such as maternity, adoption or parental leave, you may wish to disclose this in your application. The selection committee will take this into account when evaluating your application. The University has been awarded the Disability Confident Employer status. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. Contact Information Department contact for academic-related enquiries: Dr Claire Hodson (Project Principal Investigator): claire.m.hodson@durham.ac.uk Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays). University contact for general queries about the recruitment process e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk How to Apply To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria. While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. Submitting your application We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates. What to Submit All applicants are asked to submit: a CV and cover letter which details your experience, skills, and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria set out below. Next Steps Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will normally include an interview April. In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date. Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas. Person Specification Essential Criteria: Qualifications A good first degree in Archaeology or related subject. A PhD (or be close to submission) in Bioarchaeology or Forensic Anthropology Experience Experience in conducting high quality academic research. Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals. Demonstrable ability to communicate complex information to specialists, the wider academic community, and general audiences through a range of formats such as conference papers or guest talks. Experience in analysing human skeletal remains, particularly infants. Skills Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings. Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Desirable Criteria Experience Demonstrable ability to work with data-sets and digital resources. A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career. Experience of developing engaging learning and teaching resources. Skills Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research. Ability to use multimedia computer software including graphics design, Photoshop or equivalent programmes to create professional materials.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will conduct bioarchaeological research and develop digital resources for upskilling professionals in the analysis of infant skeletal remains. They will work collaboratively with technical staff and the project team to populate the project website and meet research objectives.