Research Assistant in Digital Heritage Documentation (Fixed Term)

Overview

The McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research at the University of Cambridge is offering a fixed-term, full-time position for a Research Assistant in Digital Heritage Documentation. Funded by Arcadia, the role is attached to the Mapping Africa's Endangered Archaeological Sites and Monuments project. The project focuses on identifying, documenting, and sharing information regarding endangered archaeological sites across twelve African countries. Work is conducted in partnership with national heritage management authorities and utilizes remote sensing, historical map analysis, records-based research, ground-verification, and in-country assessments. Data is shared through an Open Access Arches database. The position is based on site in the United Kingdom and initial funding is available until 30 June 2029.

Who can apply

Candidates must hold a first degree in a relevant discipline, such as archaeology, heritage, digital humanities, geography or GIS, information or data management, computer science, or a related field. Essential qualifications include strong knowledge and skills in digital data management, encompassing metadata standards, ontologies, vocabularies, databases, and the principles of good data management using FAIR and CARE principles. Desirable attributes include experience working with geospatial datasets through GIS software, as well as familiarity with heritage inventories, archaeological data, or collections data. Applicants must also possess strong communication and interpersonal skills.

What you get

The position provides a salary ranging from £33,002 to £35,608 per annum. The role holder joins the research community at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, situated within the Department of Archaeology in the Faculty of Human, Social and Political Science at the University of Cambridge.

Requirements

The role involves supporting the project's digital data lifecycle, which covers data collection, entry, validation, documentation, sharing, and deposition. Duties include executing routine validation and quality-control checks on incoming data from collaborators via auditing workflows, preparing data for ingestion into the Arches database, and assisting in the development of database documentation and thesauri. Additional tasks comprise data collection and entry utilizing remote sensing, historical map analysis, and records-based research, alongside conducting basic data analysis, summaries, and visualizations. The role holder will present progress verbally and in writing, ensure compliance with the Data Management Plan, and regularly engage with international partners to review existing data, ontologies, and vocabularies.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, quoting reference JC51455. Informal inquiries can be directed to the Project Manager, Dr Stefania Merlo. All employees must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 2026-11-20. Interviews are anticipated to take place on 10th December 2026, subject to confirmation.