Research Assistant in Technical GIS (Fixed Term)

The McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research invites applications for a fixed-term Research Assistant in technical GIS, Remote Sensing, and data processing, generously supported by Arcadia (https://www.arcadiafund.org.uk).

The post holder will be employed on the Mapping Archaeological Heritage in South Asia (MAHSA) project and will join a team of researchers based in Cambridge. This project is identifying and documenting endangered archaeological heritage sites across the Indus River Basin and surrounding coastal regions of Pakistan and northwest India, and the Ganges River Basin, using a combination of remote sensing, machine learning, historical map analysis, records-based research and selective archaeological surveys. It is working to make records of these sites openly available in an Arches (https://www.archesproject.org) geospatial relational database, tailored for different interest groups and stakeholders to support heritage management.

The role holder will be employed as part of the research community at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, which is part of the Department of Archaeology within the Faculty of Human, Social and Political Science.

The main duties of the role will involve a range of technical and data management tasks that will facilitate the use of historical maps, GIS, remote sensing, machine learning, and data from ground survey to map archaeological and other heritage sites across the Indus River basin in Pakistan and northwest India. The role will also involve preparing data for entry into a database. Additional duties are likely to include engaging in the identification of archaeological sites and monuments through the use of remote sensing and map analyses; desk-based research on existing sites; and supporting ground-based verification fieldwork. For a detailed description of responsibilities, please see the Further Particulars document.

The successful candidate should be educated to first degree level in a discipline relevant to the MAHSA project, such as Archaeology, Heritage Studies, Geography, or related fields. Excellent knowledge of and skills in the use of GIS and Remote Sensing methods and techniques are essential, along with some practical experience of working with geospatial datasets under supervision. Experience of mapping and analysing hydrological networks is desirable. An understanding of the concept and structure of relational databases is desirable. Experience of fieldwork (archaeological or otherwise) is desirable. Candidates are expected to demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Interviews are expected to take place on 29th January 2026 (subject to confirmation).

Informal enquiries may be addressed to the Project Coordinator, Dr Rebecca Roberts (rcr45@cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference JC48382 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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