OSTEOLOGIST AND SENIOR HUMAN OSTEOLOGIST

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.
• We provide heritage services to the development and construction sectors in the UK and across the world.
• With four offices in England and one in Scotland, we offer our employees unique knowledge and expertise.
• We are highly respected within our industry for our achievements in innovation, tailor-made development coaching and training, and our expertise in commercial archaeology.
• 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. Positions available can be both part or full time, with permanent and fixed-term (up to 3 years) contracts available. Successful candidates will join a team of highly qualified specialists from a range of disciplines working on projects from across the UK, but with a particular emphasis on one major infrastructure project.

Other responsibilities may include developing junior staff and providing training and guidance in the excavation of human remains to Headland’s fieldwork teams. We are looking for candidates who are self-driven with a positive outlook and with demonstrable expertise in the analysis of human osteological assemblages from UK commercial sites. A track record in commercial reporting is essential at the senior level and a research profile, including a publication record, is essential.

A role within the department offers the opportunity to work closely with academic institutions and independent researchers at the cutting edge of osteological research and to promote and develop research partnerships. Successful applicants will have the chance to study a wide variety of osteological assemblages, dating from the prehistoric through to the post-medieval period, from sites across Britain. Within the wider post-excavation department, the position offers the opportunity to contribute to a growing number of site reports, monographs and peer-reviewed publications.

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. This may include site visits and laboratory preparation of samples for scientific analysis (with relevant training) where appropriate.

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, in particular to hazards associated with environmental work.
• Be passionate, motivated and excited about what you do!
• Membership of the CIfA (or willingness to obtain).

Desired skills:

• Full, valid driving licence (and a willingness to drive company vehicles) is desirable but not essential.

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.
• Undertake other tasks appropriate to your skills and knowledge. This may include site visits where appropriate.

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, in particular to hazards associated with environmental work.
• Be passionate, motivated and excited about what you do!
• Membership of the CIfA (or willingness to obtain).

Desired skills:

• Doctorate in human osteology.
• Experience of dealing with large burial assemblages.
• Full, valid driving licence (and a willingness to drive company vehicles) is desirable but not essential.

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, e.g. paperless systems, iPads etc.
• Ongoing regular training in various areas e.g. Health.