OSTEOLOGIST AND SENIOR HUMAN OSTEOLOGIST in Leeds

Salary: £31,239 to £34,169 (osteologist) and £35,458 to £37,779 pa (Senior Osteologist) (depending on grade and experience) + generous benefits package.

Hours: Full time (37.5 hours/week) or part-time (hours to be discussed).

Locations: based near Leeds/Bradford.

Contract Type: Both permanent and fixed-term (up to 3 years), subject to 6 month probation period.

Closing Date: End of day Monday 16th March 2026.

Headland Archaeology are delighted to offer a new opportunity for enthusiastic and skilled Osteologists to join our post-excavation team.

Why should you apply?

• We are a privately owned archaeological business, part of the RSK Group, a leader in integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services.
• With four offices in England and one in Scotland, we offer our employees unique knowledge and expertise.
• Our corporate culture is characterised by a healthy appetite for originality and development.
• Over the years, we have demonstrated steady, positive economic development and formed successful partnerships.
• You will be surrounded by colleagues who are pleasant, professional, and enthusiastic about their work.
• You get to work in an open climate, close to decision makers and with the possibility of making a difference.
• You will have further opportunities to become involved in nationally and internationally prominent projects with exciting prospects for career development.

The role:

Headland Archaeology are expanding our in-house osteology team and are looking for skilled, motivated individuals to undertake osteological assessment and analysis. Successful candidates will join a team of highly qualified specialists from a range of disciplines working on projects from across the UK, with a particular emphasis on one major infrastructure project.

Osteologist Key responsibilities:

• Identify, record, assess, analyse, interpret and report on osteological assemblages within defined project objectives at assessment and analysis level.
• Provide internal advice and training on the excavation and analysis of human remains.
• Work to established standards, procedures and guidelines as set out by BABAO, CIfA, Historic England, and other professional bodies.
• Contribute to osteological research projects, both commercial and otherwise.
• Support post-excavation teams with correct procedures for processing osteological assemblages.
• Maintain and develop internal recording conventions, libraries and databases.
• Undertake other tasks appropriate to your skills and knowledge.

Essential skills:

• A degree in archaeology or a related subject.
• Experience of identifying and interpreting cremated and inhumed human remains.
• Thorough understanding and awareness of current academic research and legislation within the specialism.
• Ability to write reports clearly and concisely.
• Strong IT skills, including databases and MS Office.
• Broad academic knowledge of British archaeology.
• Ability to work unsupervised and decision-making skills.
• Adherence to safe working practices.
• Be passionate, motivated and excited about what you do!
• Membership of the CIfA (or willingness to obtain).

Senior Osteologist Key responsibilities:

• Identify, record, assess, analyse, interpret and report on osteological assemblages within defined project objectives at assessment and analysis level.
• Estimate resources and help develop osteological programmes for projects.
• Co-ordinate osteological programmes and personnel within specific post-excavation projects.
• Provide internal advice and training on the excavation and analysis of human remains.
• Work to established standards, procedures and guidelines as set out by BABAO, CIfA, Historic England, and other professional bodies.
• Contribute to osteological research projects, both commercial and otherwise.
• Maintain and develop internal recording conventions, libraries and databases.

Essential skills:

• A degree in archaeology or a related subject and postgraduate qualification in human osteology.
• Extensive experience of identifying and interpreting cremated and inhumed human remains to analysis level in a UK commercial setting.
• A strong and relevant publication record.
• Thorough understanding and awareness of current academic research and legislation within the specialism.
• Ability to write reports clearly and concisely.
• Strong IT skills, including databases and MS Office.
• Broad academic knowledge of British archaeology.
• Ability to work unsupervised and decision-making skills.
• Ability to mentor/train others in osteological techniques and procedures.
• Adherence to safe working practices.
• Be passionate, motivated and excited about what you do!
• Membership of the CIfA (or willingness to obtain).

Benefits we offer you:

• Being part of RSK Group, a well-established global leader in the delivery of environmental and engineering solutions.
• Competitive paid subsistence when applicable.
• Employee assistance and health support scheme.
• Paid accommodation when working away.
• Use of cutting edge technology on site.
• Ongoing regular training in various areas.
• Time off in lieu of time worked above standard hours or overtime paid.
• Annual profit discretionary bonus & performance-related bonus schemes.
• Annual pay review.
• Monthly clothing allowance.
• 28 days annual leave, rising based on service length.
• Extra annual leave purchase scheme.
• 5%-6% employer contribution to pension scheme.
• Income Protection Policy, after a year with Headland.
• Life Assurance Policy, insuring you 4 times your annual salary, after a year with Headland.
• Referral scheme with generous fee.
• Relocation package.
• A support group of 30+ Mental Health First Aiders.
• Regular offers through RSK Group.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Paid CIfA membership.
• Cycle to work scheme.

How to apply:

You must have the right to work in the UK without restrictions. Proof of eligibility will be required prior to your commencement. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may fill existing vacancies before the closing date, so you are advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Send covering letter and CV to Kathryn Turner at quoting reference OSTEO26 or SROSTEO26. Postal applications will not be accepted. Informal inquiries concerning the role can be made to Kathryn Turner, Environmental Manager, at the above email address.

Headland is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.