The University of Cambridge is inviting applications for a Research Assistant in Digital Heritage Documentation at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research in Cambridge, UK. The successful candidate will support the MAEASaM project, which documents endangered archaeological sites across twelve African countries. The role focuses on digital records, archaeological data management and database quality control. The salary is £33,002–£35,608 per annum, with funding available until 30 June 2029 in the first instance. The application deadline is 20 November 2026.
Position Details
- Position: Research Assistant in Digital Heritage Documentation
- Official Reference Number: JC51455
- Institution: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department: Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Human, Social and Political Sciences
- Research Institute: McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research
- Research Discipline(s): Archaeology, Digital Heritage, Heritage Documentation, Digital Humanities, GIS, Data Management
- Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Job Type: Research Assistant
- Application Deadline: 20 November 2026
- Funding: £33,002–£35,608 per annum
- Required Qualification: First degree in a relevant discipline, such as archaeology, heritage, digital humanities, geography/GIS, information or data management, computer science or a related field
About the Position
The Research Assistant will join Mapping Africa’s Endangered Archaeological Sites and Monuments (MAEASaM) project, supported by Arcadia. The project uses archaeological research and digital tools to identify sites at risk and assess the threats they face across twelve African countries.
Working with national heritage authorities and international partners, the project records archaeological sites and makes information available through an Open Access Arches database. The successful candidate will help maintain accurate digital records, improve data quality and support responsible archaeological data management.
Research Areas
- Digital heritage documentation
- Archaeological data management
- Endangered archaeological sites and monuments
- Heritage inventories
- Remote sensing and historical map analysis
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Digital humanities
- Research databases and data standards
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants should hold a first degree in a relevant discipline, such as archaeology, heritage, digital humanities, geography/GIS, information or data management, computer science or a related field.
Candidates must also demonstrate:
- Excellent knowledge and skills in digital data management.
- Knowledge of metadata standards, ontologies, vocabularies and databases.
- An understanding of good data management practices, including metadata, version control and backups.
- An understanding of the FAIR and CARE principles for data management.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Experience working with geospatial datasets using GIS software, knowledge of heritage inventories, and familiarity with archaeological or collections data are desirable but not essential.
Key Responsibilities
The Research Assistant will help manage the MAEASaM project’s digital data, from collection and entry to validation and sharing. Key responsibilities include:
- Checking incoming data from project collaborators and carrying out routine quality-control checks using the project’s auditing workflows.
- Preparing data for entry into the Arches database.
- Contributing to database documentation and the development of thesauri.
- Collecting and entering archaeological data using remote sensing, historical map analysis and records-based research.
- Working with international partners to review existing data, ontologies and vocabularies.
- Preparing basic data analyses, summaries and visualisations.
- Reporting progress on data-related tasks verbally and in writing.
- Ensuring that data management activities follow the project’s Data Management Plan.
- Applying the FAIR and CARE principles to support responsible data management.
Salary and Benefits
The advertised salary is £33,002–£35,608 per annum.
The position is fixed-term, with funding available until 30 June 2029 in the first instance. The official vacancy information provided does not specify additional benefits, a separate research allowance or relocation support.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 20 November 2026
- Expected Interview Date: 10 December 2026, subject to confirmation
Application Process
Apply online through the University of Cambridge recruitment system. Register an account if you do not already have one and quote reference JC51455 in your application and any related correspondence.
For details of the required application documents and other instructions, read the official vacancy and Further Particulars.
The University welcomes applications from all sections of society. Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Research Assistant in Digital Heritage Documentation position at the University of Cambridge?
It is a fixed-term research position at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, supporting the MAEASaM project’s digital documentation and management of endangered archaeological sites across twelve African countries.
What qualifications are required for this digital heritage research job?
Applicants should hold a first degree in a relevant discipline, such as archaeology, heritage, digital humanities, geography/GIS, information or data management, computer science or a related field. They must also demonstrate strong digital data management knowledge and skills.
Is GIS experience required for the Cambridge Research Assistant position?
Experience working with geospatial datasets using GIS software is listed as desirable rather than essential in the supplied vacancy information.
What are the FAIR and CARE principles mentioned in the vacancy?
FAIR refers to making data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable. CARE refers to Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility and Ethics. The project expects the role holder to support data management in line with these principles.
When is the deadline to apply for the Research Assistant position?
The application deadline is 20 November 2026. Interviews are expected to take place on 10 December 2026, subject to confirmation. Applications should be submitted through the University’s official recruitment system.
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