Quaternary Scientific Senior Project Manager(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

The Opportunity

Quaternary Scientific is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Project Manager to lead a diverse portfolio of archaeological science research projects within the Quaternary Science team.

This role offers a unique opportunity to combine specialist scientific expertise, project leadership, and research delivery, working across academic and developer-funded projects. You will play a central role in ensuring projects are delivered to the highest scientific and professional standards, while contributing to income generation, client relationships, and knowledge exchange.

Your Role

As Senior Project Manager, you will oversee the full lifecycle of archaeological science projects — from planning and fieldwork through to laboratory analysis, interpretation and reporting.

You will act as a subject matter expert, providing advice to clients, consultants and regulatory bodies, and contributing to high-quality research outputs and publications. The role also includes line management and technical supervision responsibilities, as well as operational oversight of specialist laboratories.

Occasionally, you may support teaching activities and student placements, helping to nurture the next generation of archaeological scientists.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage archaeological science research projects, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery
• Apply specialist expertise in at least one archaeobotanical discipline (e.g. pollen, phytoliths, plant macrofossils)
• Interpret complex datasets and produce clear, robust specialist reports
• Oversee fieldwork activities, including borehole investigations
• Manage and support geoarchaeology and palaeoenvironmental laboratories
• Supervise and mentor technical staff and early-career colleagues
• Build productive relationships with clients, consultants and regulatory authorities
• Contribute to academic publications and professional dissemination
• Support income generation through high-quality project delivery

About You

You will bring:

• Specialist expertise in at least one archaeobotanical analytical method
• Extensive experience interpreting data and producing professional reports
• A postgraduate qualification (MSc or equivalent) in Quaternary Science, Environmental Archaeology, Geoarchaeology or a related field
• Proven project management capability
• Experience working collaboratively across disciplines and stakeholders
• Competence in archaeological fieldwork, particularly borehole-based investigations
• A flexible, proactive approach with a willingness to develop new skills and undertake relevant training
• Knowledge of geoarchaeological processes and deposit modelling is desirable.

Professional Development & Flexibility

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. In line with the University’s commitment to career development, this role may be considered on a secondment basis for existing staff. Internal applicants are encouraged to discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

Applications for part-time, job-share and flexible working arrangements are also welcomed and will be considered in line with operational requirements.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce and actively supports:

• The Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality
• The Race Equality Charter
• LGBT+ equality initiatives

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Visa & Right to Work Information

Due to the complexity of the UK Skilled Worker visa route, applicants who may require sponsorship are advised to review eligibility independently. The University cannot provide visa advice at the application stage and will only discuss visa options with candidates invited to interview.