Research Fellow in Environmental Archaeology(UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

Job Description

About Us

The UCL Institute of Archaeology is one of the world’s leading academic departments in the field, with over 60 permanent staff conducting high-quality research across five continents. The Institute has a distinguished history in environmental archaeology and archaeological science, supported by state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and a vibrant, international research community.

Several members of staff are specialists in South American archaeology, including research within the Amazon Basin, where UCL has developed long-term collaborations and research partnerships.

About the Role

We invite applications for a Research Fellow to contribute to a major research programme in environmental archaeology within the Brazilian Northwest Amazon region.

The post is part of the UKRI-funded Voices of Indigenous Amazonia Project, led by Dr Manuel Arroyo-Kalin, which brings together UK and Brazilian researchers and indigenous communities to study the long-term environmental history and cultural landscapes of the Amazon. The project involves international collaboration, field expeditions, and laboratory research to deepen understanding of Amazonian ecological and archaeological transformations.

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct field and laboratory-based research in environmental archaeology, focusing on Amazonian ecosystems and past human-environment interactions.
• Support collaborative work with Brazilian scientists, UK partners, and indigenous communities.
• Contribute to data analysis, publication of research findings, and dissemination through conferences and academic papers.
• Participate in archaeological fieldwork in the Amazon Basin as part of international research teams.
• This position is full-time (36.5 hours per week), starting 1 March 2026, and is funded until 30 November 2027. Requests for part-time or flexible working will be considered.

About You

You will hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in Archaeology or a closely related discipline such as Earth Science, Geography, Palaeoecology, or Human Ecology. You will have strong laboratory and analytical skills, with experience working across multiple subfields of environmental archaeology, archaeological science, or palaeoecology.

Essential criteria include:

• Proven experience in field and laboratory research, including handling and analysis of environmental samples.
• Demonstrated knowledge of South American lowland archaeology, palaeoecology, or human ecology.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally, including participation in fieldwork in the Amazon Basin.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organisational skills.
• Candidates nearing PhD completion (within six months of submission) are eligible to apply.
  Appointment at Grade 7 requires award of a PhD.
  If not yet awarded, appointment will be made at Grade 6B (£39,148–£41,833 per annum including London Allowance), with salary upgraded to Grade 7 upon final submission of the PhD thesis.

Application Process

Applicants should submit:

• A CV including academic and employment history, publication list, and contact details of two referees (one being the most recent line manager).
• A Cover Letter outlining how they meet the essential and desirable criteria listed in the job description.
• Evidence of qualifications.

Visa Sponsorship

This position meets the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship or Global Talent Visa under UK Visas and Immigration regulations.
UCL welcomes applications from international candidates requiring visa sponsorship.

What We Offer

UCL provides an exceptional employment package, including:

• 41 days’ holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
• Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) pension scheme
• Cycle to Work and Season Ticket Loan schemes
• On-site nursery and gym facilities
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• Discounted medical insurance

More details: UCL Reward and Benefits

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, UCL believes that diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to being fair, inclusive, and ensuring that every member of our community feels valued and supported.

We particularly encourage applications from groups underrepresented in our workforce, including people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled individuals, LGBTQI+ people, and women at senior grades.

The UCL Institute of Archaeology holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award, recognising our commitment to advancing gender equality.