ICS Post-doctoral Research Associate (36-months FTC)

University of London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in the UK seeks a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate in Roman Archaeology. This role involves conducting collaborative research on Roman military finds, producing a database, and developing interpretative approaches alongside English Heritage. The ideal candidate is intellectually curious with strong expertise in archaeology and a collaborative spirit, ready to engage with diverse teams and contribute to interdisciplinary projects.

Qualifications

• Motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in Roman archaeology.
• Experience in planning and delivering research activities.
• Comfortable working independently and in collaborative settings.

Responsibilities

• Conduct collaborative research on Roman military finds.
• Produce online database and catalogue of objects.
• Work with English Heritage on interpretative approaches.

Skills

Expertise in Roman archaeology

Collaborative team experience

Ability to work independently

Understanding of heritage interpretation

Education

PhD in Archaeology or related field

Job description

Connective Frontiers: Inclusive Heritage of Roman Frontiers

We are inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Roman Archaeology to join the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship hosted at the Institute of Classical Studies (ICS), School of Advanced Study, University of London. This post, offered in partnership with English Heritage, is an exciting opportunity to apply your research expertise to an interdisciplinary and intersectoral project that brings together archaeological research, heritage interpretation, and contemporary debates around borders, identity, imperialism, and decolonial approaches. The role is designed for a motivated early career researcher who is keen to develop intellectually ambitious research while gaining experience beyond the traditional academic environment.

About the Project

Connective Frontiers is a four‑year UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship led by Dr Anna Walas, which is a collaborative multinational project aimed to bring the archaeology of frontiers in Rome’s northernmost and southernmost regions into critical dialogue, through strengthening partnerships, advancing research agendas, improving researcher and heritage practitioner mobility and improving heritage practice.

About the Role

The PDRA will join the team to conduct collaborative research on the finds assemblage from the Roman military base at Housesteads and Corbridge. The role aims to produce up-to‑date research to inform the redevelopment of a permanent exhibition at the Housesteads site and a temporary exhibition at Corbridge. This will include delivery of an online database of objects, combining legacy material from antiquarian excavations and modern campaigns, producing catalogue of objects, and carrying out primary, category specific and spatial research on the assemblage. The objective of the post is to provide a deep insight into the identities within the site’s extended military community, considering the site within its landscape, regional and global contexts to support the development of interpretative approaches to frontiers and borderlands in Roman past. Within the wider team, you will also work on areas such as geophysical survey, history of archaeology and history of public interpretations of Roman frontiers.

You will work in close partnership with the English Heritage team based in Corbridge, including the curator (Dr McIntosh, Project Partner and English Heritage co‑lead for the post) and the interpretative, design and education teams. You will actively co‑create this part of the project with the PI and the English Heritage team. This is an exciting developmental opportunity for those seeking to gain a better understanding of heritage interpretation development. We are looking for a motivated researcher to co‑create this package of work within an intersectoral team.

About You

We are looking for a motivated, intellectually curious postdoctoral researcher with expertise in Roman archaeology and material culture. The successful candidate will take responsibility for planning and delivering research activities within the remit of their post. You will enjoy working independently while also contributing positively to a collaborative team environment. You may already have experience working with heritage partners, museums, or collections. Above all, you should be open to learning, comfortable working across institutional boundaries, and willing to take a proactive and self‑motivated approach to your research. This role is particularly well suited to researchers interested in careers that span academic research, heritage practice, museums, and public archaeology.

Equal Opportunities

The University of London is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive working environment where we can all be ourselves and succeed. We particularly encourage applications from members of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities as this group is currently under‑represented at all levels within the University. All appointments will be made on merit, based on the criteria named in the job description. Pursuing excellence in education and equal opportunities.