Quaternary Scientific Senior Project Manager(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Uk
January 6, 2026

Job Description

About the Opportunity

Quaternary Scientific is seeking to appoint an experienced Senior Project Manager to play a leading role in delivering high-quality archaeological science research. This permanent position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of Quaternary and environmental archaeology, managing diverse research and commercial projects within a well-established specialist team.

The role is ideal for a motivated professional who combines technical expertise, project leadership, and collaborative working across academic, commercial, and regulatory environments.

The Role in Context

As Senior Project Manager, you will oversee a portfolio of academic and developer-funded archaeological science projects, contributing both to research excellence and sustainable income generation. Your work will span the full project lifecycle—from planning and fieldwork through to laboratory analysis, reporting, and publication.

You will work closely with:

  • Commercial clients and consultants
  • Planning archaeologists and statutory bodies
  • Academic colleagues and technical specialists

In addition to project delivery, the role includes responsibility for staff supervision, laboratory oversight, and contributing to the broader strategic objectives of Quaternary Scientific.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

  • Leading and managing archaeological science projects, ensuring delivery to time, budget, and quality standards.
  • Providing specialist expertise in archaeobotanical analysis (e.g. pollen, plant macrofossils, phytoliths).
  • Interpreting complex environmental datasets and producing high-quality technical and client reports.
  • Overseeing fieldwork activities, including borehole investigations and sampling programmes.
  • Managing and supporting geoarchaeology and palaeoenvironmental laboratory facilities.
  • Building and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, regulators, and collaborators.
  • Supervising technical staff and supporting their professional development.
  • Contributing to publications, knowledge exchange, and—on occasion—teaching or student placements.

About You

You will bring:

  • Specialist expertise in at least one area of archaeobotanical analysis.
  • A postgraduate qualification (MSc or equivalent) in Quaternary science, environmental archaeology, geoarchaeology, or a related discipline.
  • Substantial experience interpreting environmental data and producing professional reports.
  • Demonstrated project management capability, including coordinating people, resources, and deadlines.
  • Experience working collaboratively and flexibly across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Practical competence in archaeological fieldwork, particularly borehole-based investigations.
  • A proactive and adaptable approach, with a willingness to develop new skills and undertake relevant training.
  • Broad knowledge of geoarchaeological processes and depositional modelling would be advantageous.

Visa and Right to Work Information

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker visa route, applicants who may require sponsorship are advised to check their eligibility independently before applying. The University is unable to provide visa advice at application stage and will only discuss immigration routes with shortlisted candidates.

Useful official guidance can be found at:

Regulatory and Professional Framework

The work undertaken within this role aligns with national standards and regulatory guidance, including:

Equality, Inclusion and Flexible Working

The University of Reading is committed to creating a supportive, inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively support:

  • The Equality Act 2010
  • The Athena SWAN Charter and Race Equality Charter
  • LGBTQ+ inclusion and representation
  • The Disability Confident Employer Scheme (Level 2)

Applications for job-share, part-time, flexible working, and secondment arrangements are welcome and will be considered in line with operational needs.