The University of Edinburgh is recruiting a Lecturer in Human Osteoarchaeology within its Department of Archaeology. This full-time fixed-term post runs from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2028, with a salary of £50,253–£61,759 per year. The role focuses on teaching, supervision and research in human osteoarchaeology, with related expertise in bioarchaeology and palaeopathology.
The lecturer will lead teaching in human osteoarchaeology across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. This will include seminars, lectures, laboratory sessions, workshops and practical classes, as well as organising MSc and Honours-level courses. The role will also involve supervising undergraduate and postgraduate taught dissertations and supporting related teaching administration.
In addition, the successful candidate will undertake independent research and demonstrate scholarly engagement appropriate to their career stage. The role sits within Archaeology at Edinburgh, where science-based archaeology includes osteoarchaeology and forensic anthropology. The department also supports research across Europe, Britain and Ireland, Scotland, and the Middle East.
Applicants must hold a completed and examined PhD in Human Osteoarchaeology, Bioarchaeology, Palaeopathology, Biological Anthropology or a cognate discipline. Teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels is also required, together with collegiality, management skills and the ability to meet agreed objectives.
Position Details
- Position: Lecturer in Human Osteoarchaeology
- Official Reference Number: 14686
- Institution: University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Department: Archaeology, School of History, Classics and Archaeology
- Research Discipline(s): Human Osteoarchaeology, Bioarchaeology, Palaeopathology, Biological Anthropology
- Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Job Type: Lecturer
- Contract Duration: 2 years, fixed term
- Start Date: January 2027
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Salary/Funding: £50,253–£61,759 per annum
- Required Qualification: Completed and examined PhD in Human Osteoarchaeology, Bioarchaeology, Palaeopathology, Biological Anthropology or a cognate discipline
Research Areas
The position covers the following research and teaching areas:
- Human osteoarchaeology
- Bioarchaeology
- Palaeopathology
- Biological anthropology
- Science-based archaeology
Eligibility/Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- A completed and examined PhD in Human Osteoarchaeology, Bioarchaeology, Palaeopathology, Biological Anthropology or a cognate discipline.
- Teaching and teaching-administration experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Experience delivering seminars, lectures, laboratories, workshops or practical teaching.
- Evidence of research and scholarly engagement in human osteoarchaeology or palaeopathology.
- Ability to work collegially and contribute effectively as part of a team.
- Management skills and the ability to set targets and achieve goals within agreed deadlines.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Lead teaching in human osteoarchaeology and bioarchaeology.
- Contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and supervision.
- Deliver seminars, lectures, laboratories, workshops and practical sessions.
- Organise MSc and Honours-level courses and related teaching activities.
- Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate taught dissertations.
- Undertake independent research and contribute to relevant scholarly activity.
Salary and Benefits
The University of Edinburgh Lecturer in Human Osteoarchaeology position offers a competitive salary and a range of staff benefits:
- Salary: £50,253–£61,759 per annum (UE08)
- Annual Leave: Provided as part of the University’s staff benefits.
- Pension: Defined-benefit pension scheme
- Staff Discounts: Available to University employees
- Family-Friendly Benefits: Family-friendly initiatives
- Flexible Working: Flexible work options
- Visa Sponsorship: Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available to eligible international applicants, subject to UK Home Office requirements.
Application Process
Applicants should apply through the University of Edinburgh’s official recruitment system and provide the documents required for consideration. Informal enquiries about the position can be directed to Professor Catriona Pickard.
Required documents
- CV
- Cover letter
- Any other supporting documents required for the application
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Not specified in the source
- Application Deadline: 14 September 2026, 11:59 pm UK time
- Interview Period: Not specified in the source
- Expected Start Date: January 2027
Related Academic Opportunities
- Archaeology Lecturer Positions
- Palaeanthropology Research Jobs
- Bioarchaeology Academic Careers
- UK Academic Careers
- International Faculty Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Lecturer in Human Osteoarchaeology position?
The salary is £50,253–£61,759 per annum at UE08 grade.
What qualification is required for this archaeology lecturer position?
Applicants need a completed and examined PhD in Human Osteoarchaeology, Bioarchaeology, Palaeopathology, Biological Anthropology or a cognate discipline.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 14 September 2026 at 11:59 pm UK time.
Is the Lecturer in Human Osteoarchaeology position open to international applicants?
Yes. The University states that it can sponsor international workers, subject to the relevant UK Home Office and Skilled Worker visa requirements.
Institutional Overview
The University of Edinburgh is a research-intensive university with Archaeology based in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology. Its archaeological research covers periods from early prehistory to the medieval period, with geographical interests including Europe, Britain and Ireland, Scotland and the Middle East. The Archaeology department includes teaching clusters in prehistoric archaeology, classical and historical archaeology, and science-based archaeology. Osteoarchaeology and forensic anthropology form part of its science-based provision. The department has a substantial postgraduate community, international collaborations and links with archaeological institutions and applied companies in Scotland and beyond.
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