The University of Cambridge is inviting applications for a Research Assistant/Research Associate in Statistical Modelling in Archaeology at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research. This exciting five-year fixed-term opportunity is part of the prestigious ERC Synergy Project – FORAGER, an international research initiative investigating prehistoric hunter-gatherer population dynamics across multiple regions of the world.
Building on this research, the successful candidate will work closely with Professor Enrico R. Crema to develop custom Bayesian models that reconstruct spatial and temporal demographic patterns. The research draws upon radiocarbon dates, residential evidence and skeletal datasets while supporting broader archaeological science through interdisciplinary collaboration with colleagues across Cambridge and partner institutions.
In addition to modelling, the role includes participation in an international research team comprising more than thirty scientists investigating demographic change among prehistoric hunter-gatherer societies in Japan, the Baltic region, the North-West Pacific Coast and the North-East Atlantic Coast of North America. The post holder will contribute to collaborative research meetings, conferences and short research visits while working primarily at the McDonald Institute in Cambridge.
Overall, this appointment offers an opportunity to undertake long-term research within a major international archaeology project while developing statistical approaches for archaeological applications. Candidates with expertise in Bayesian modelling, computational archaeology, quantitative archaeology, statistical science, and prehistoric demography will contribute directly to research examining population change across multiple archaeological regions.
Position Details
- Position: Research Assistant/Research Associate in Statistical Modelling in Archaeology
- Institution: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department: McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research
- Research Disciplines: Statistical Modelling in Archaeology; Computational Archaeology
- Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Job Type: Research Assistant / Research Associate
- Contract Duration: Fixed-term, 5 years
- Start Date: October 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
- Working Hours: As specified by the University of Cambridge.
- Salary/Funding:
- Research Assistant: £34,610–£35,608 per annum
- Research Associate: £37,694–£46,049 per annum
- Required Qualification: PhD awarded or submitted in a relevant discipline (Research Associate appointment requires PhD award)
Research Areas
This Research Assistant/Associate position in Archaeology at the University of Cambridge focuses on the following research areas:
- Statistical modelling and Bayesian modelling in archaeology
- Computational and quantitative archaeology
- Prehistoric demography and hunter-gatherer archaeology
- Archaeological data analysis using radiocarbon, residential and skeletal evidence
- Spatial and temporal modelling of prehistoric population dynamics
Eligibility / Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- Relevant research experience in computational archaeology, quantitative archaeology, statistical science or a related discipline.
- Strong statistical and computational literacy.
- Demonstrated ability to develop custom Bayesian models for archaeological applications.
- Interest in prehistoric hunter-gatherer demography.
- Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary and international research teams.
- Strong communication and research skills.
- PhD awarded for Research Associate appointment, or PhD submitted for Research Assistant appointment.
Appointment Level and Salary
Appointment level is determined by the candidate’s academic qualifications at the time of appointment. Applicants who have already been awarded a PhD will be appointed as a Research Associate, while those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially join as a Research Assistant. Following the formal award of the PhD, Research Assistants will be regraded to the Research Associate level.
- Research Assistant (Grade 5): For candidates who have submitted but not yet been awarded a PhD. Salary: £34,610–£35,608 per year.
- Research Associate (Grade 7): For candidates who have already been awarded a PhD. Salary: £37,694–£46,049 per year.
- Progression: Research Assistants will be promoted to the Research Associate grade once their PhD has been formally conferred.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Develop custom Bayesian statistical models for archaeological research.
- Reconstruct prehistoric demographic patterns using archaeological proxy datasets.
- Analyse radiocarbon, residential and skeletal evidence.
- Collaborate with researchers across the FORAGER project and Cambridge departments.
- Participate in annual project meetings, conferences and research visits.
- Support interdisciplinary research within Work Package 1: Demography.
Application Process
Applicants should complete the online application and prepare all required documentation before the closing date.
Required documents include:
- Two-page cover letter addressing each essential and desirable criterion under separate subheadings.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Names of two referees.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 26 June 2026
- Application Deadline: 21 August 2026
- Interview Period: First week of September 2026 (online)
- Expected Start Date: October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
Eligible candidates should submit their application before 21 August 2026 to be considered for this five-year funded research position.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Research Associate Jobs
- Research Assistant Jobs
- Archaeology Research Jobs
- UK Research Opportunities
- International Academic Positions
Institutional Overview
The University of Cambridge is one of the United Kingdom’s leading research universities, supporting scholarship across the humanities, sciences and social sciences through internationally recognised academic departments and research institutes. The McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research brings together specialists working across archaeological science, heritage research and quantitative methods to investigate past societies using interdisciplinary approaches. Through collaboration with researchers across Cambridge and international partner universities, the Institute supports long-term research projects that combine archaeological evidence with advanced analytical methods, providing an environment for innovative research and academic collaboration.
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