At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a groundbreaking project to document endangered archaeological sites in sub-Saharan Africa using remote sensing.
- Company: UCL Institute of Archaeology, a leading global department in archaeology and heritage studies.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and employee support services.
- Other info: Remote position with opportunities for international collaboration and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving African heritage while working with international experts.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and experience in archaeological documentation and survey techniques.
The predicted salary is between 42261 - 42261 £ per year.
UCL Institute of Archaeology is one of the leading academic departments of archaeology in the UK and globally. The Institute is the largest department in its field in the UK, with an international graduate research community, and the broadest range of coverage of any UK department. It offers a uniquely stimulating environment for the study of all fields of archaeology and related areas of museum studies and cultural heritage. With a total of 60+ research-active staff pursuing high-quality research across five continents, the Institute is at the international forefront in all aspects of archaeology and heritage studies.
The postholder will be employed on the Mapping Africa’s Endangered Archaeological Sites and Monuments (MAEASaM) project. This project aims to identify and document endangered archaeological heritage sites across sub-Saharan Africa using a combination of remote sensing, historical maps analysis, records-based research supported by ground-verification and in-country assessment. The documentation is carried out in collaboration with in-country authorities in Africa, who are responsible for national heritage management and who guide the project on principles of data-sharing through an Open Access Arches database.
Applications are invited for a full-time (36.5 hours per week) Research Fellow in African Heritage, Remote Sensing and GIS, generously supported by Arcadia. The post is available from 1 August 2026 and funded until 30 June 2029. Due to funding restrictions this post is offered at Grade 7.32 (£42,261 incl. London Allowance).
Further details about the post and a person specification can be found in the Job Description.
If you have any queries about the application process, please contact Louisa Goldsmith (HR Administrator) at l.goldsmith@ucl.ac.uk.
About you
The successful candidate will have a PhD in Archaeology, Anthropology, Geography, or Geospatial Sciences, demonstrated knowledge of and research experience in archaeology and/or heritage management and experience in archaeological field documentation and archaeological survey techniques, especially image interpretation, ideally within sub-Saharan Africa. For a full list of the essential criteria for this post please see the Person Specification.
To apply for the vacancy, candidates are asked to upload the following documents:
- A full CV (including academic and employment history, and any additional relevant skills and the contact details of two referees, one of whom should be the current or most recent line manager)
- A cover letter that states how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria as listed in the person specification within the job description
- Evidence of qualifications
Please refer to the application process within the job description for guidance on completing your cover letter.
This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
Research Fellow in African Heritage, Remote Sensing and GIS employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
At the UCL Institute for Materials Discovery, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ample networking opportunities with leading experts in academia and industry, as well as our generous benefits package, including 41 days of holiday and a defined benefit pension scheme. Join us in our mission to advance materials research and make a meaningful impact in the field of biosensing technology, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
