About the Position
The Natural History Museum invites applications for a Principal Researcher position in Human Evolution within the Research Department at South Kensington, London, UK. This academic leadership role focuses on Pleistocene human evolution and contributes to internationally recognised research initiatives in Evolutionary Anthropology. The Museum houses more than 80 million scientific objects and provides an exceptional research environment for studying the human evolutionary record and palaeoenvironmental contexts.
Moreover, the successful candidate will collaborate with scientists within the Centre for Human Evolution Research while leading independent research programmes using advanced analytical methods. These approaches include genomics, palaeomics, isotopic analysis, quantitative modelling, artificial intelligence and high-resolution imaging. The role provides access to world-class collections, interdisciplinary research facilities and strong opportunities for publication in leading international journals.
Furthermore, this opportunity suits scholars with strong backgrounds in Human Evolution, palaeoanthropology or Pleistocene archaeology who aim to shape global research debates. The appointment also supports conference participation, postgraduate mentoring and international collaborations. Importantly, this Funded Position offers a permanent research career within a globally influential museum and scientific research institution.
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Program / Job Details
- Position: Principal Researcher in Human Evolution
- Institution: Natural History Museum, UK
- Department: Research Department, Centre for Human Evolution Research
- Research Field: Human Evolution / Palaeoanthropology
- Supervisor: Not specified
- Location: London, UK
- Job Type: Full-time, Permanent Research Position
- Number of Positions: 1
- Start Date: 2026 (Expected after recruitment process)
- Working Hours: 36 hours per week
- Salary / Funding: £52,619 per year (Funded Position)
- Required Degree / Diploma: PhD in Human Evolution or closely related field
This fully funded academic position in Human Evolution at the Natural History Museum, UK, is open for international candidates starting in 2026. Discover more research positions, postdoctoral fellowships, and academic jobs in the United Kingdom(UK).
Research Area
The research project focuses on:
- Pleistocene human evolution and hominin fossil record
- Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction
- Genomics and palaeomics analysis
- Quantitative modelling and isotopic research
- AI-assisted evolutionary data analysis
- High-resolution imaging of fossils
- Interdisciplinary palaeoanthropology research
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Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- PhD in Human Evolution, palaeoanthropology or related discipline
- Strong publication record in Pleistocene human evolution research
- Experience leading independent research programmes
- Ability to secure external research funding
Preferred Qualifications
- Expertise in interdisciplinary evolutionary science methods
- Experience with fossil analysis and palaeoenvironmental datasets
- Leadership experience managing research teams and collaborations
- Engagement in public science communication and outreach
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Key Responsibilities
- Lead internationally recognised research on human evolutionary history
- Develop innovative interdisciplinary research programmes
- Publish high-impact scientific research outputs
- Build international collaborations and partnerships
- Mentor postgraduate researchers and early-career scientists
- Contribute to museum exhibitions, public engagement and outreach
Application Process
- Apply through the official recruitment portal of the Museum
- Complete the online application form carefully
- Upload required documents and verify all submitted information
- Submit the application before the closing deadline
Required Documents
- Completed online application form
- CV or academic profile
- Publication list
- Research statement or supporting documents (if requested)
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Currently Open
- Application Deadline: 17 April 2026 (23:59 UK Time)
- Interview Period: Week commencing 18 May 2026
- Expected Start Date: 2026
Where to Apply
- University / Institute Website: Natural History Museum
- Official Job Announcement: Principal Researcher in Human Evolution – Job Profile
- Application Portal: Submit Your Application
📧 Contact for Queries
Email: hrteam@nhm.ac.uk
This position offers an excellent opportunity for scholars seeking fully funded research positions, international academic collaboration and advanced research opportunities in the United Kingdom. Explore more postdoctoral fellowships, funded PhD positions and academic jobs for international researchers.
