Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2024 in the first instance.
The McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research invites applications for a fixed-term, full-time Research Assistant to work within the international multi-partner research project Mapping Africa’s Endangered Archaeological Sites and Monuments (MAEASaM). The project is generously supported by Arcadia – a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin (https://www.arcadiafund.org.uk/).
Key tasks of this position will include: the identification of archaeological sites and monuments through the use of remote sensing analyses and desk-based research on existing site registers and from published and grey literature; the creation of digital records of these sites and monuments following a standardised format; the identification of past, present and potential future threats to the integrity of these sites; assistance with field visits to ground-truth features identified using remote sensing. The geographical scope comprises different African countries, with a particular focus on Sudan, Kenya and Ethiopia requiring close interaction with the relevant national authorities. For a detailed description of tasks, please see the ‘Further Particulars’ document.
Applicants must hold a MSc/MA/MPhil or BA/BSc degree in archaeology, geography, heritage studies or a related field with relevant experience in African archaeology and/or heritage management. Experience in computational and/or digital approaches in archaeology, in remote sensing, and GIS (ideally ArcGIS, and/or QGIS) and experience in archaeological field documentation and archaeological survey techniques, especially image interpretation, ideally within sub- Saharan Africa are essential. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write good English text for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings and excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability of working efficiently in a diverse team are required. Experience in digitising archaeological records, managing a discrete area of a research project and with the use of digital and social media communications channels and website content management systems (CMS) are desirable. Knowledge of written and spoken Arabic and/or Kiswahili will be an advantage.
Starting date: 1st October 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
Click the ‘Apply’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to either the MAEASaM Project Manager Dr Stefania Merlo (sm399@cam.ac.uk) or the Project Principal Investigator Professor Paul Lane (pjl29@cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference JC38277 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.