FINDS SPECIALIST (WITH FOCUS ON POST – ROMAN POTTERY) – OXFORD

Required for: Oxford

Salary range £35,250 to £40,804 (2026-27 pay award pending)

Oxford Archaeology is one of the largest independent archaeological practices in Europe. We work on the most exciting and varied projects, and can offer long-term employment and real opportunities for career development. We have offices in Oxford, Lancaster and Cambridge and are a registered charity. We are interested in hearing from applicants at varying stages in their career. We will make appointments at the upper end of the salary range for those with the right skills and experience.

The Position

We are seeking a Finds Specialist at Project Officer level to join our highly successful and respected Post-Excavation team in the Oxford office. The post holder will report to the Regional Head of Post-Excavation and will contribute to a range of archaeological investigations and projects. The role will focus particularly on the analysis and reporting of post-Roman pottery (Anglo‑Saxon, medieval and post‑medieval), though we would welcome candidates that are also able to work with other categories of artefacts. There may also be opportunities to contribute more widely to post‑excavation analysis, research and publication. This is offered as either a full‑time or part‑time role. We operate a hybrid working policy, with some office attendance expected.

Responsibilities

• Assessment, analysis and reporting (up to publication level) of post‑Roman pottery assemblages.
• Assessment, analysis and reporting (up to publication level) of other categories of finds, in line with the post holder’s expertise.
• Providing colleagues with advice, mentoring and training relevant to the post holder’s finds specialism.
• Contributing to other post‑excavation, publication and outreach tasks as appropriate.

Position Requirements

• Demonstrable expertise in the analysis of post‑Roman pottery from Britain (Anglo‑Saxon, medieval and/or post‑medieval).
• Thorough knowledge of British archaeology.
• The ability to undertake academic research on relevant subjects.
• The ability to work independently when required but also to operate as part of a team.
• Good organisational and administrative skills.
• Good communication skills and the ability to represent OA at external conferences and meetings.
• A degree (or equivalent experience) in archaeology, archaeological science or a related discipline.
• The ability to operate with regard to health and safety legislation and any related policies and procedures.
• Expertise in other artefact categories, such as ceramic building material, clay pipes, metal finds or metalworking debris, or the willingness and ability to develop expertise in these areas.
• Expertise in pottery of other periods.
• Experience of writing publication reports.
• Good understanding of the stratigraphy of excavated sites.
• Experience of working within the development‑led archaeology sector in the UK.
• Experience of providing training.
• The ability to drive.
• Applicants should be members, or eligible for membership, of the CIfA, preferably at the ACIfA level.

Benefits

• Competitive, constantly benchmarked, salary range £35,250 to £40,804 (2026‑27 pay award pending).
• Appointments will be made on the basis of demonstrated ability, previous experience and CIfA membership if appropriate.
• A company pension scheme with 6% employer contributions.
• Employees with 10 years of employment or in project management roles gaining access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), which is one of the few remaining defined benefit schemes in the UK.
• Continued professional development is strongly encouraged through a very supportive approach to further training and education, attendance of and contribution to conferences, and involvement with academic institutions.
• Generous annual leave with 24 – 26 days (depending on length of service) with additional concessionary days at Christmas plus bank holidays.
• Training including placements, and opportunities for career progression.
• A generous hybrid working policy is in place, dependant on role, and a considerate approach is taken to flexible and part‑time working where appropriate to the role, individuals’ personal circumstances, and the needs of the business.
• We pay 100% of CIfA subscription fees.
• Comprehensive care for employee welfare through a number of policies, including: the AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Premier, generous paid sick leave, a network of mental health first aiders, and personal accident insurance.

Oxford Archaeology is an Equal Opportunities employer. All applications are judged on the relevant skills and experience of the candidate, and not by gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, belief, age, nationality (other than where work permits may be required), or ethnicity. You must meet the requirements to live and work in the UK, as set out by UK Visa and Immigration.