Professor of Cultural & Natural Heritage UK – Apply Now

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