Research Assistant in Archaeology

Requisition ID: 29401
Location: Newcastle, GB
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Working Pattern: Full Time
Posted Date: 28 May 2026

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Salary

Research Assistant: £33,951 to £35,608 per annum
Research Associate: £36,636 to £38,784 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date

22 June 2026

The Role

Community, Landscape and Social Stratification in early medieval Northumbria (CLASS) is a Leverhulme Trust-funded research project investigating social and political complexity through historic landscape transformation. CLASS will integrate multiproxy datasets of environmental change with detailed archaeological evidence to understand changes to the landscape that were tied to socio-economic structures across the first millennium.

As a Fieldwork Research Assistant/Associate you will be a highly productive, ambitious and collaborative member of the CLASS team. Based in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology (HCA) at Newcastle University, you will collaborate with other members of the project team, including those based at Northumbria University. You will conduct research on the archaeology of northern Bernicia (northern Northumberland), using desk-top methodologies to identify sites and landscapes that will be targeted for further investigation through original fieldwork. You will be responsible for designing and delivering the archaeological fieldwork programme, which will primarily comprise geophysical and topographic surveys. Working alongside colleagues from Northumbria University, you will also assist in the collection of palaeoenvironmental data when necessary. You will oversee development of the project GIS, and provide day-to-day management of archaeological fieldwork, and related collaboration and outreach. You should have a proven track record of delivering programmes of archaeological remote sensing, including geophysical survey data collection and processing, and topographic/photogrammetric survey. Experience of using a UAV (drone) for archaeological research, an A2 Certificate of Competence Qualification, and up-to-date Visual Line of Sight Training are all desirable.

The project is hosted in the School of History, Classics & Archaeology, which has a vibrant and active research culture with particular strengths in interdisciplinary working and supporting the holistic career development of early career colleagues. The successful candidate will be provided with academic and pastoral support within the school, and training will be provided to develop their competences. You will also benefit from access to the school’s mentoring scheme and extensive training opportunities including a bespoke personal development plan, and peer support from a cross-disciplinary cohort of talented postdoctoral and early career researchers, as well as access to fieldwork equipment and software.

Newcastle University follows the Researcher Development Concordat: Researcher Development | Our Research | Newcastle University. We enable all colleagues to fulfil their research potential regardless of career stage. This commitment secures our thriving research culture and vibrant research environment. Our offer to each individual and their researcher development includes mentoring, annual research planning discussions, pooled research funding to support career development and research activities, peer review support for the development of research and innovation funding applications.

The end date of this post is 30th September 2029 which would be a maximum of 36-month fixed term full-time appointment. The candidate will start work on 1st October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. Flexible working requests are welcome, but the postholder must be willing to travel for fieldwork and other research/engagement activities as part of the project.

For the duration of the project, you will be reporting to Dr Duncan Wright duncan.wright@ncl.ac.uk. If you would like an informal discussion, please contact Dr Wright at the email above.

Applicants with minority and/or host community backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply. Should the successful applicant require a UK Visa for this role, they will be eligible to apply through the Global Talent Visa route. The University will support the applicant through this process.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf.

To apply, please upload an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining how you meet the essential job criteria.

Key Accountabilities

Research Assistant

• Develop a comprehensive project GIS, integrating archaeological datasets to model historic landscape change and identify sites/landscapes for further investigation
• Assist with the design and delivery of the project’s programme of archaeological fieldwork, including geophysical survey and topographic/photogrammetric surveys
• Assist in the preparation of discrete funding proposals and applications to external bodies as appropriate
• Engage and advise heritage stakeholders on access, data collection and results
• Undertake supplementary duties relevant to the success of the project, including administrative duties and additional training and development activities as required
• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes
• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to achieve research objectives and contribute to project planning
• Present research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or project groups
• Write up results and contribute to dissemination (reports, papers, chapters, books)
• Use research resources (including laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate

Research Associate

• Develop a comprehensive project GIS, integrating archaeological datasets to model historic landscape change and identify sites/landscapes for further investigation
• Co-design and lead delivery of the project’s programme of archaeological fieldwork, including geophysical survey and topographic/photogrammetric surveys
• Assist in funding proposals and applications to external bodies
• Engage and advise heritage stakeholders on access and data collection
• Undertake supplementary duties including administration and training
• Contribute ideas to improve technical and methodological aspects of the project
• Determine appropriate research methodologies
• Assess findings for further investigation needs
• Contribute to writing and dissemination through seminars, conferences, and publications
• Present research at conferences and in reputable outlets
• Contribute to grant applications and develop own funding proposals

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Research Assistant

• Ability to carry out geospatial analyses and develop GIS databases for archaeological research
• Ability to support design and delivery of archaeological fieldwork (geophysical and topographic surveys)
• Experience processing and interpreting geospatial, geophysical, and topographic datasets
• Attention to detail and high accuracy
• Ability to present complex information clearly
• Proven ability to analyse data and write results
• Experience working collaboratively
• Strong IT skills in standard office applications
• Ability to use initiative and solve research problems

In addition for Research Associate

• Awareness of the research environment
• High level of analytical and problem-solving ability
• Strong communication skills for complex information
• Experience presenting at conferences and/or publications

Attributes and Behaviour

• Commitment to working as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• Commitment to professional development
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion best practice

Qualifications

Research Assistant

• Honours degree in Archaeology or related discipline

Research Associate (additional)

• PhD in Archaeology or related discipline

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university and encourage applications from all sectors of society.

We hold a Gold Athena Swan award and a Race Equality Charter Bronze award. We are also a Disability Confident employer.

We are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 29401
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