About Position/Job
Durham University, a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence in the UK, is inviting applications for a Professor of Cultural and Natural Heritage in the Department of Archaeology. This full-time, permanent post offers a unique opportunity to lead research integrating cultural and natural heritage with archaeology, under the Heritage 360 initiative, a strategic, interdisciplinary platform funded through Durham’s Strategic Research Fund.
The successful candidate will demonstrate world-leading research excellence, a strong track record of grant capture, and expertise in translating research into evidence-based policy and practice. The role involves innovative postgraduate teaching, mentoring research students, and leadership across disciplines, departments, and heritage partnerships. Located in the historic city of Durham, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the position provides an inspiring environment for impactful research and engagement with global and local heritage communities.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Professor of Cultural and Natural Heritage
- Institution: Durham University
- Department: Department of Archaeology
- Research Field: Archaeology, Heritage, Cultural and Natural Heritage
- Location: Durham, United Kingdom
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, permanent
- Start Date (Anticipated): ASAP
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Salary Range: £73,711 per annum
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Cultural Heritage
- Natural Heritage
- Archaeology
- Heritage Science and Management
- Conservation and Museum Studies
- Landscape and Built Environment
- Heritage Policy and Evidence-Based Practice
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Archaeology, Heritage, or related discipline
- World-leading research outputs in cultural and natural heritage
- Track record of securing research funding
- Experience in teaching at the postgraduate level and supervising PhD students
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in interdisciplinary research initiatives
- Leadership of international research projects
- Engagement with heritage stakeholders and evidence-based policy development
- Commitment to community outreach and public engagement
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct world-leading research integrating cultural and natural heritage with archaeology
- Lead and develop major research projects with UK and international funding
- Design and deliver high-quality postgraduate teaching and supervision
- Mentor researchers at all career stages and foster interdisciplinary collaboration
- Contribute to the Heritage 360 initiative, liaising with UK heritage partners
- Enhance research culture within the Department, Faculty, and University
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all academic activities
- Undertake administrative leadership and collegial responsibilities as required
Application Process
How to Apply: Applications should be submitted online via Durham University’s recruitment portal. Applicants must include:
- CV / Resume
- Covering letter detailing experience, achievements, and potential
- Personal research plan aligned with Heritage 360 and Department priorities
- Two recently published research outputs (post-2020)
- Two published or unpublished evidence-based policy/practice reports
Required Documents:
- All documents submitted as PDFs under 5MB
- Include accessible web links to publications where possible
- Provide three academic referees (excluding PhD supervisors if possible)
Important Dates
- Application Opens: ASAP
- Deadline: 01 February 2026, 5:29 AM
- Interview Date: March 2026
Contact Information
Academic Enquiries: Professor Dan Lawrence – dan.lawrence@durham.ac.uk
Technical/Application Support: e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk | +44 191 334 6801
Useful Links
- Institution Website: Durham University
- Heritage 360 Initiative: Heritage 360
- Department of Archaeology: Department Pages
- Official Notification: click here
- Apply now: Online Application
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