Field Archaeologist (15 Posts, Fixed Term)

About the role

The Cambridge Archaeological Unit, part of the Department of Archaeology at the University of Cambridge, is recruiting Field Archaeologists for excavations, evaluations and surveys across East Anglia. Confirmed sites include prehistoric landscapes, Iron Age and Roman settlements and urban sites. There are 15 posts available on 12-month fixed-term contracts, funded for 12 months from the agreed start date; roles are full-time and candidates are ideally in post by 1 April 2027.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in delivering fieldwork services to a professional standard and to strict deadlines.
• Follow specifications set out in archaeological briefs and CIfA best practice.
• Work with colleagues and occasionally the public, and liaise with clients.

Required profile

• Degree in Archaeology; a related subject degree is only considered with sufficient practical on-site excavation experience, judged by the University.
• Interest and knowledge of British Archaeology and some fieldwork experience, such as a training excavation or work experience placement; preference for a record of commercial field archaeology.
• Ability to learn quickly and help colleagues and the site director meet client deadlines.

Preferred qualifications

• Clean UK/EU driving licence, CIfA membership, First Aid at Work qualification.
• Other H&S qualifications such as documented Manual Handling training.
• Skills in period specialisms, artefacts, environmental archaeology, illustration and survey, which may be developed with training.

Applications are made online through the university's recruitment system, quoting reference JD51665, with a full CV and a cover letter describing projects and fieldwork skills. Applications are reviewed regularly and interviews run until the posts are filled; the closing date is 28 February 2027.