Research Fellow in Biocultural Heritage

Location: Pitt Rivers Museum, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PP

The Pitt Rivers Museum is seeking to appoint to a 2-year Research Fellowship in Biocultural Heritage, in partnership with the School of Geography and the Environment, to foster greater collaboration in the area of biocultural research between disciplines and to unlock the potential of museum collections. 

About the role

The Fellowship builds on the recent success of the University’s cross-departmental OCHRE grouping (Oxford Collaboration in Heritage science Research and Engagement) in attracting RICHeS funding from the AHRC to invest in the research infrastructure required to conduct advanced biocultural and archaeological work. This will be an innovative, challenging and rewarding role within a research-active museum with exceptional collections. 

The Research Fellow will be part of an active and engaged group of researchers within the museum and in the School of Geography and the Environment and contribute to it with their own cutting-edge work. The post holder will carry out and publish independent research within the general field of biocultural heritage. The post holder will be fully supported in accessing collections and displays for research purposes, as well as access to specialist equipment held across the University as part of the OCHRE partnership. 

This is a fixed-term for 2 years, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week. 

About You

You will hold a doctoral degree in geography or closely related discipline, with relevant research experience. Track record of research publications as well as success in funding applications, or having acted as PI or Co-I on previous successful project application is essential. Experience of museum-based research is a bonus. 

For the full details, please refer to the Selection Criteria section in the job description. 

What We Offer

Working for the University of Oxford brings exceptional benefits such as a generous pension scheme, annual leave entitlement and option to buy additional leave, family friendly benefits, and University Club gym (more information here). 

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example shared parental leave. 

The University is also a strong advocate of the Charter & Concordat Commitments for the Career Development of Researchers. 

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. Applicants should also prepare a statement on their proposed plans for research during the Fellowship (max 1000 words). CVs alone will not be considered. 

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Friday 16 May 2025 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 2 June 2025.

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