About Position/Job
University of Cambridge invites applications for a Research Associate/Assistant in Human Evolutionary Anatomy for a fixed-term position funded for 36 months. This role forms part of the ERC Starting Grant project STEPS: Biomechanical simulations of hominin locomotion across complex terrains, led by Dr Ashleigh Wiseman in the Department of Archaeology. The project (2025–2030) explores how anatomical variation influenced locomotor strategies and efficiency in human evolution. The successful candidate will engage in comparative osteology, 3D anatomical analysis, fossil and primate scan data collection, and musculoskeletal modelling. The role involves fieldwork and research trips to the US, Kenya, and South Africa, offering an interdisciplinary, multinational research experience. This position provides exposure to cutting-edge biomechanics, evolutionary anthropology, and computational modelling methods, and contributes directly to understanding the evolution of the human body plan.
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Position/Job Details
- Position: Research Associate/Assistant
- Institution: University of Cambridge
- Department: Department of Archaeology, Henry Wellcome Building
- Research Field: Human Evolutionary Anatomy, Biomechanics, Comparative Anatomy
- Location: Cambridge, UK
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Fixed Term (36 months)
- Start Date (Anticipated): 16 March 2026 or ASAP thereafter
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary Range: £33,002–£46,049
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Human evolutionary anatomy
- Comparative osteology
- Biomechanical simulations
- 3D anatomical modelling
- Evolution of bipedal locomotion
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in human evolution, physical/biological anthropology, biomechanics, or a related discipline
- Experience with 3D anatomical data and fossil analysis
- Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams
- Willingness to travel internationally for research
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in musculoskeletal modelling and computational simulations
- Fieldwork experience in human or primate studies
- Strong collaborative and communication skills
Key Responsibilities
- Collect, process, and analyse fossil and primate scan data
- Study postcranial variation and create musculoskeletal models
- Participate in experimental studies of human movement
- Travel for research trips to the US, Kenya, and South Africa
- Collaborate with UK and international research partners
- Contribute to publications, presentations, and project reports
Application Process
How to Apply
Click the ‘Apply’ button to register an account and submit your application online via the University of Cambridge recruitment system.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- References or letters of recommendation
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 28 November 2025
- Deadline: 12 January 2026 (midnight)
- Interview Date: Week commencing 9 February 2026
Useful Links
- Institution Website: University of Cambridge
- Official Notification Link: Click here
- Apply now: Apply Online
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