Research Assistant/Associate in Archaeology – Cambridge

About Position/Job

The McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research at the University of Cambridge invites applications for a Research Assistant or Research Associate to join the Mapping Africa’s Endangered Archaeological Sites and Monuments (MAEASaM) project. This full-time, fixed-term role for 24 months is supported by the Arcadia Fund. The successful candidate will contribute to identifying, documenting, and monitoring endangered archaeological sites across eleven African countries using remote sensing, satellite imagery analysis, geospatial techniques, and machine learning. Working closely with the Project Manager Stefania Merlo and the international MAEASaM team, the role offers hands-on experience in heritage preservation, advanced geospatial data science, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Candidates who have submitted their PhD but are not yet awarded will be appointed as Research Assistants, upgraded to Research Associate once the PhD is completed. This is an exciting opportunity for candidates passionate about archaeological research, digital heritage, and sustainable heritage management.

Position/Job Details

Position: Research Assistant / Research Associate
Institution: University of Cambridge
Department: McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research
Research field: Archaeological Heritage, Geospatial Data Science
Location: Cambridge, UK
Number of posts: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (24 months)
Start Date (Anticipated): As soon as possible
Working Hours: Full-time
Salary Range: Research Assistant: £34,610–£35,608; Research Associate: £37,694–£46,049
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research Area

African archaeological heritage and endangered sites
Remote sensing and satellite imagery analysis
Geospatial analysis and digital mapping frameworks
Machine learning applications in heritage monitoring
International collaboration and interdisciplinary research

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in archaeology, heritage studies, geospatial science, or related field (or submitted at time of appointment)
Experience with remote sensing, GIS, and geospatial data analysis
Strong analytical and computational skills
Ability to work collaboratively in an international research team

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in African heritage research or fieldwork
Knowledge of heritage threats and conservation methods
Publication record in archaeology, heritage, or geospatial research

Key Responsibilities

Develop and maintain a digital framework for monitoring threats to endangered archaeological sites
Conduct remote sensing and geospatial analysis, combining machine learning techniques
Collaborate with the MAEASaM project team and international partners
Contribute to reports, publications, and project dissemination
Support sustainable heritage management decisions across project countries