The University of Oxford is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Digital Epigraphy and Archaeology. This role is part of the Graffiti Gazetteer project within the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. The opportunity focuses on digital epigraphy, Egyptian graffiti records, and archaeological data management. This is a part-time research position that supports the development of a digital research platform for studying secondary epigraphy from Egypt.
The Postdoctoral Research Assistant will contribute to the second phase of the Graffiti Gazetteer project, which aims to expand a digital research infrastructure for Egyptian graffiti studies. Supported by the John Fell Fund, the project builds on previous Digital Scholarship @Oxford funding and focuses on improving access to archaeological and inscriptional datasets.
The researcher will undertake data harvesting, research activities, and grant scoping for future project development. They will lead data ingestion processes, maintain data quality standards, and ensure archaeological datasets follow established project requirements for accuracy and consistency.
In addition, the role requires collaboration with the project software development specialist and involves digital humanities research, geospatial data analysis, and inscriptional datasets. The position connects archaeology, Egyptology, and digital scholarship through the development of research methods and digital resources.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Graffiti Gazetteer
- Vacancy ID: 188028
- Institution: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department: Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
- Research Discipline(s): Archaeology, Egyptology, Digital Humanities, Epigraphy, Research Data Management
- Location: Oxford, UK
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Research Position
- Contract Duration: 12 months, fixed-term
- Start Date: November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
- Working Hours: Part-time, 0.5 FTE
- Salary/Funding: £39,424 – £47,779 per annum (pro rata), including Oxford University weighting
- Required Qualification: Doctoral qualification or close to completion in a relevant discipline
Research Areas
The position focuses on the following research areas:
- Digital epigraphy and Egyptian graffiti studies
- Archaeological and inscriptional datasets
- Digital humanities research methods
- Geospatial research and ArcGIS applications
- Research data management
- Grant development and funding proposals
Eligibility/ Qualifications
Required qualifications and experience for the Oxford Postdoctoral Assistant Archaeology position include:
- A completed doctoral qualification, or evidence of being close to completion, in a relevant discipline such as Egyptology, Archaeology, or Classics.
- Experience in digital humanities research, including work with geospatial data, ArcGIS, inscriptional datasets, or related archaeological data resources.
- Knowledge or practical experience with agentic AI or AI-assisted workflows.
- Experience contributing to grant development, funding applications, or research proposal writing within an academic environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
Key Responsibilities
The Postdoctoral Research Assistant will be responsible for:
- Conducting research activities and data harvesting for the Graffiti Gazetteer project, using relevant archaeological and inscriptional sources.
- Leading data ingestion processes, maintaining project data standards, and supporting quality assurance for research datasets.
- Collaborating with software development specialists to support the project’s digital research infrastructure.
- Contributing to future grant planning, funding applications, and research development activities.
- Supporting the organisation, management, and improvement of archaeological data resources for digital humanities research.
Application Process
Candidates applying for the Oxford Postdoctoral Assistant position in Archaeology should submit the required documents and supporting information through the official application portal.
Required documents include:
- Updated academic CV
- Supporting statement
- Evidence of relevant research experience
- Details of qualifications and academic background
- Any additional documents requested through the official application portal
Important Dates
- Applications Open: August 2026
- Application Deadline: 25 August 2026, 12:00 noon (UK time)
- Interview Period: Week commencing 21 September 2026
- Expected Start Date: November 2026
Eligible candidates should access the University of Oxford vacancy details through the Apply Now tab and submit their completed application with required documents before 25 August 2026, 12:00 noon UK time.
Researchers can explore additional UK fellowships and research funding opportunities for global scholars (2026) to identify suitable support options for their academic work.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Funded Postdoctoral Positions
- Digital Humanities Research Opportunities
- Egyptology Research Opportunities
- Ancient Studies Academic Positions
- UK Academic Research Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the position offered by the University of Oxford?
The University of Oxford is offering a Postdoctoral Research Assistant position for the Graffiti Gazetteer research project.
What research areas are covered in this role?
The role focuses on digital epigraphy, archaeology, Egyptology, digital humanities, archaeological datasets, and research data management.
What is the application deadline for this postdoctoral position?
The application deadline is 25 August 2026 at 12:00 noon UK time.
What qualification is required for this research position?
Applicants should hold or be close to completing a doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline, ideally Egyptology, Archaeology, or Classics.
Institutional Overview
The University of Oxford is a leading research institution located in Oxford, United Kingdom, offering advanced teaching and research across humanities, sciences, and social disciplines. The Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies supports specialist research in languages, cultures, histories, and societies through its academic programmes and research activities. Oxford provides strong research facilities, libraries, and collaborative networks that support fields such as archaeology, digital humanities, and historical studies. The university’s interdisciplinary research environment enables scholars to explore cultural heritage, ancient records, and digital resources through innovative approaches. Its work in areas including Egyptology, epigraphy, and heritage studies contributes to wider international academic research.
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