About Position/Job
The University of Cambridge is seeking applications for a 12-month Research Assistant position on the Ng’ipalajem Project, an ERC-funded initiative led by Prof. Marta Mirazón Lahr. The project focuses on exploring human evolution in Africa during the last million years, through the integration of palaeontological, archaeological, and geological data collected from fieldwork and museum studies.
The appointed candidate will contribute significantly to the digital component of the project, including 3D scanning, geometric morphometric analysis, and the documentation of skeletal morphology. Fieldwork participation in Kenya is required. The role is based at the Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolutionary Studies, with a start date no later than October 2025.
This position is ideal for early-career researchers with a background in anthropology, archaeology, biology, or related fields, and a passion for digital methods in evolutionary science.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Research Assistant
- Institution: University of Cambridge
- Department: McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research
- Research Field: Human Evolution
- Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Number of Post: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (12 months)
- Start Date (Anticipated): October 2025
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary Range: £32,546 – £35,116
- Required Degree/Diploma: BSc
Research Area
- Human Evolution
- Digital Anthropology
- Palaeontology
- 3D Imaging and Morphometrics
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in anatomy, osteology, anthropology, archaeology, biology, or related field
- Proven experience in 3D imaging and geometric morphometrics
- Proficiency in segmenting tomographic scan data
- Excellent command of English (written and oral)
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Willingness to work in both the UK and Kenya
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of African Pleistocene prehistory
- Swahili language skills
- Experience in relational databases and website design
- Previous field excavation experience
- Valid driver’s licence
Key Responsibilities
- Support data collection, processing, and analysis using advanced digital tools
- Document skeletal morphology and preservation
- Manage high-resolution imaging and digital datasets
- Collaborate with researchers for publication and archiving
- Participate in fieldwork in Kenya
- Assist with project administration
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted online via the University of Cambridge’s recruitment system.
Required Documents:
- Cover letter (maximum 500 words)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Contact details of two referees
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 17 June 2025
- Deadline: 4 July 2025
- Interview Date: July 2025 (online)
Useful Links
- Institution Website: University of Cambridge
- Official Notification Link: Job Opportunities – University of Cambridge
- Apply Now: The University of Cambridge: Web Recruitment
