About Position/Job
Durham University is seeking to appoint an outstanding scholar to the role of Professor of Cultural and Natural Heritage in its Department of Archaeology. This is a full-time, open-ended (permanent) senior academic position aligned with the University’s strategic Heritage 360 research initiative. The role focuses on the integration of cultural and natural heritage with archaeology, supporting agenda-setting research, evidence-based policy, and innovative postgraduate teaching.
The successful candidate will bring world-leading research excellence, a strong record of external grant capture, and demonstrated leadership across disciplines. The position offers a reduced teaching load during the initial phase to prioritise research leadership, collaboration with heritage-sector partners, and contribution to interdisciplinary themes including heritage landscapes, social justice, wellbeing, and collections. This role provides a unique opportunity to shape international heritage research within a globally recognised UK university.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Professor of Cultural and Natural Heritage
- Institution: Durham University
- Department: Department of Archaeology
- Research field: Archaeology and Heritage Studies
- Location: Durham, United Kingdom
- Number of posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Permanent (Open-ended)
- Start Date (Anticipated): 2026
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Salary Range: £73,711 per annum
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research area
- Cultural and Natural Heritage Integration
- Archaeology and Heritage Management
- Heritage Landscapes and Built Environment
- Evidence-based Heritage Policy and Practice
- Heritage Science, Conservation, and Museum Studies
- Community Engagement and Co-production
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Archaeology, Heritage, or a closely related discipline
- World-leading research profile with internationally excellent outputs
- Proven leadership of national and international research projects
- Strong record of external research funding
- Experience supervising and mentoring PhD researchers
- Evidence of excellence in postgraduate teaching
- Demonstrated commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications:
- Leadership within interdisciplinary or cross-institutional research platforms
- Experience translating research into policy, practice, or management plans
- Active engagement with non-academic and heritage-sector stakeholders
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct world-leading research integrating cultural and natural heritage with archaeology
- Lead and contribute to major UK and international research funding bids
- Deliver and develop high-quality postgraduate teaching in heritage and archaeology
- Strengthen the Department’s research culture and international profile
- Supervise and mentor postgraduate and early career researchers
- Contribute to academic leadership, citizenship, and departmental governance
- Collaborate across disciplines within the Heritage 360 research platform
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted online via the Durham University recruitment system.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter outlining suitability for the role
- Personal Research Plan aligned with Heritage 360
- Two significant research outputs published since 2020
- Two evidence-based policy or practice reports
- Details of three academic referees
Important Dates
- Application Opens: January 2026
- Deadline: 31 January 2026 (23:59 UK time)
- Interview Date: Expected March 2026
Useful Links
- Institution Website: Durham University, United Kingdom
- Official Notification Link: Click here
- Apply now: Click here
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