The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Project Manager in Archaeology and Remote Sensing. The position is based at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research in Cambridge, UK, and involves digital data coordination for the MAHSA project. The post is generously supported by Arcadia, with the fixed-term appointment ending on 31 December 2027.
In this role, the successful candidate will work on the Mapping Archaeological Heritage in South Asia (MAHSA) project. The project identifies and documents endangered archaeological heritage across the Indus and Ganges River Basins and surrounding regions of Pakistan and northwest India using remote sensing, machine learning, historical map analysis and archaeological research.
The successful candidate will coordinate the international, multi-partner project and its day-to-day activities. Responsibilities include project administration, financial and project reporting, partner coordination, development of protocols and training materials, archaeological documentation, remote sensing and map analysis, fieldwork, and project events.
The position brings together archaeological heritage management, digital methods and international research coordination. The successful candidate will support the development of an Open Access database of archaeological and heritage information while contributing to research, training, documentation and knowledge-sharing activities across the project.
Position Details
- Position: Project Manager & Remote Sensing Digital Data Co-ordinator South Asia [Temporary Cover]
- Official Reference number: JC50930
- Institution: University of Cambridge, UK
- Department: McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research
- Discipline: Archaeology
- Location: Cambridge, UK
- Job Type: Academic-related / Project Management
- Contract Duration: Fixed-term until 31 December 2027
- Start Date: 1 October 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter
- Working Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday–Friday
- Salary: £47,389–£59,966
- Required Qualification: PhD/DPhil-level qualification in Archaeology, Archaeological GIS or Remote Sensing
- Responsible to: Professor of South Asian and Iranian Archaeology / Head of Department
Research Areas
The position covers several connected areas of archaeological research, digital documentation and heritage management:
- Archaeological remote sensing
- Archaeological GIS
- South Asian archaeology
- Heritage management
- Machine learning
- Digital archaeology
- Historical map analysis
- Archaeological site documentation
- Geospatial databases
- Digital data management
- Archaeological field survey
- Open-access heritage data
Required Qualifications
- PhD-level qualification in Archaeology, Archaeological GIS or Remote Sensing.
- Experience using GIS and remote sensing in archaeological research, heritage management and remote sensing analysis.
- Good understanding of database design, digital data management and analysis, including bespoke data analysis and report writing.
- Advanced knowledge of project management, with experience in project leadership and administration.
- Excellent organisational, research, analytical and reporting skills.
- Experience managing staff within a team environment.
- Familiarity with traditional and new media for effective communication.
- Knowledge of archaeology and heritage management issues in South Asia or a neighbouring region, with practical field experience in the region.
- Willingness to undertake international travel, particularly to Pakistan and India.
- Desirable: Experience training teams in field documentation, database input, remote sensing and GIS, and/or experience using Arches.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers £47,389–£59,966 per year and is supported by Arcadia. It is a full-time appointment of 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, until 31 December 2027, with a nine-month probationary period.
Key employment benefits include:
- Annual leave and pension: 41 days’ annual leave, including public holidays, and USS hybrid pension scheme
- Flexible working and family support: Hybrid working, family-friendly leave and childcare support, subject to relevant criteria
- Travel and relocation: Cycle to Work, discounted train season tickets, interest-free Travel to Work loans and relocation assistance
- Health and wellbeing: Counselling, Occupational Health, Sport Centre and related wellbeing services
- Professional development: Training, LinkedIn Learning, funded apprenticeships and selected reduced-fee University courses
- Accommodation: Access to the University Accommodation Service for suitable properties in Cambridge
Key Responsibilities
The main responsibilities of the position include:
- Coordinate and manage the MAHSA project and project team, including day-to-day administration, planning, procedures and project delivery.
- Coordinate the documentation of endangered archaeological sites and monuments using remote sensing, digitisation, historical maps, records-based research, archaeological surveys and the open-access Arches database.
- Analyse and present project data and research, including reports, presentations, briefing materials and other research outputs.
- Manage project documentation, digital content and data systems, including the Arches database, project records, publications and related processes.
- Coordinate project partners and stakeholders, serving as a central contact for the Partner Management Committee, Advisory Board, Arcadia and other project-related organisations.
- Organise conferences, workshops and training while supporting stakeholder engagement, project communications and digital communication channels.
Application Process
Candidates should submit their application online through the University of Cambridge jobs page by selecting “Apply online” in the vacancy. An email address is required to register for the online recruitment system.
Applicants should read the Further Particulars before applying and demonstrate how their qualifications, experience and training meet the selection criteria in the Person Specification.
Required Documents
- CV: Education and degrees, publications, grant track record and relevant research experience.
- Cover letter and personal statement: Motivation and a clear response to each selection criterion, supported by relevant examples.
- One publication: Digital copy of the publication that best demonstrates suitability.
- Two professional referees: Names and contact details of referees able to comment on academic experience and research outputs.
Do not include university transcripts, training certificates or more than one publication.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 10 September 2026
- Application Deadline: 24 September 2026
- Interview Date: 29 September 2026
- Expected Start Date: 1 October 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter
Eligible candidates should submit their application through the official University of Cambridge jobs system and quote JC50930.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Asian Studies research jobs
- Archaeology academic positions
- Digital Archaeology research opportunities
- UK university academic jobs
- Cultural Heritage research opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Project Manager & Remote Sensing Digital Data Co-ordinator role?
It is a full-time, fixed-term academic-related position providing temporary cover for the Project Manager on the MAHSA project.
What is the MAHSA project?
The Mapping Archaeological Heritage in South Asia project identifies and documents endangered archaeological heritage across the Indus and Ganges River Basins and surrounding regions of Pakistan and northwest India.
What qualification is required for the position?
Applicants must hold a PhD/DPhil-level qualification in Archaeology, Archaeological GIS or Remote Sensing.
What is the salary for the Cambridge position?
The salary is £47,389–£59,966.
Does the position involve travel?
Yes. The role is likely to involve international travel to different parts of Pakistan and India where appropriate. Willingness to undertake international travel, particularly to Pakistan and India.
Is experience with Arches required?
Experience using Arches is desirable rather than listed as an essential requirement.
Institutional Overview
The McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research is an independently constituted and endowed research centre within the University of Cambridge’s Department of Archaeology. Located on the Downing Site in Cambridge’s historic city centre, it provides an interdisciplinary base for research into the human past. The Institute supports archaeological fieldwork, archaeological science, material culture studies and archaeological theory. It also provides laboratory facilities and hosts seminars, workshops, conferences, publications and research grants. The Department of Archaeology includes the McDonald Institute, Cambridge Archaeological Unit and Duckworth Laboratory, with academic interests spanning Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Assyriology and Egyptology. The MAHSA project is hosted by the Institute and works with international partners and collaborators in Pakistan and India.
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