UHI is the United Kingdom’s leading integrated university encompassing both further and higher education. We are more than a college and more than a traditional university: a diverse, flexible partnership, rooted in our communities and driven by their needs. Our network of colleges, specialist teaching centres and internationally recognised research institutes delivers supported, flexible learning from access level to PhD.
To support our work we are recruiting to the following role:
Post-doctoral Researcher
| Salary range | £35,331 - £37,483 per annum pro rata |
|---|---|
| Duration | 18 months |
| Working hours | 17.5 hours per week |
| Location | UHI Orkney |
| Closing Date | Sunday 1 March 2026 |
University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute
The University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute is a world-class teaching and research organisation dedicated to advancing our understanding of the historic environment through the creation, interpretation and dissemination of archaeological knowledge.
Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology
Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology (ORCA) is a commercial and applied research unit within the University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute at UHI Orkney. ORCA offers a comprehensive archaeological service to industry, communities, government agencies, developers and landowners.
Post-doctoral Researcher
This post is part of a Historic Environment Scotland-funded project to collate, record and disseminate the archive of a 1970s excavation of an important Pictish/Norse cemetery at Newark, Orkney; the appointee will work with the project team which is based in the University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute in Kirkwall, Orkney.
The appointee will be required to undertake an osteoarchaeological study of an assemblage of human remains; they will record and analyse the human remains of circa 215 individuals, held in the Natural History Museum in London. Radiocarbon dating and isotopic analysis will inform the production of a report.
The appointee will possess a doctorate relevant to human osteoarchaeology and be able to demonstrate experience in research organisation and management. Knowledge of the human osteoarchaeology of Orkney would be an advantage. Good verbal and written communication skills are essential, as is the ability work effectively both alone and as part of a team.
A detailed job description and person specification for the post are attached.
Applicants with informal questions are encouraged to contact Paul Clark, Senior Project Manager, by email to paul.clark@uhi.ac.uk.
Pay and Benefits
This role is linked to grade six on the UHI payscale.
The starting salary for this position will normally be in the range £35,331 to £37,483 per annum.
This post is fixed term for 18 months subject to funding. There is no guarantee of further employment after the expiry of this term.
This post is part time and will involve working 17.5 hours per week on a working pattern as agreed with your line manager.
This post may be subject to a Disclosure Scotland Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme check, so please let us know if you are currently a PVG scheme member.
The workplace pension scheme we provide to workers at grade six and above is the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS). This is a qualifying pension scheme, which means it meets or exceeds the government’s standards. Full information on the scheme can be found at http://www.uss.co.uk/Pages/default.aspx
Full-time posts carry a total of 42 days leave per annum (pro rata for part-time posts). It is practice that, with the exception of a Christmas and New Year closure, leave may be taken at any time of year, subject to the requirements of the post and department and with the permission of your line manager.
Recruitment Process
When completing the application form please ensure that you clearly evidence how you meet the selection criteria identified on the relevant person specification.
If you have any queries regarding our recruitment and selection process, or if you would like to request any reasonable adjustments to either the recruitment process or the prospective job, please contact the HR team as soon as possible.
Interviews will be held The deadline for submitting your application is 1st March at 11.59pm Shortlisting will take place the week commencing 2nd March Interviews will be held by videoconferencing during w/c 9th March .
- Job description
- Person specification
- Further information
- Guidance notes for candidates
- Summary of terms and conditions of employment
- Application form
UHI Employee Benefits
At UHI, we offer a supportive, flexible and rewarding place to work, with a range of benefits including:
- 42 days’ annual leave (pro rata)
- Attractive pension scheme and options for additional contributions
- Flexible working and family-friendly policies
- Occupational sick pay and an Employee Assistance Programme (incl. spousal support)
- High-street and online retail discounts
- 10% off Highlife Highland memberships
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Contribution towards DSE prescription glasses
- Free parking and EV charging (where available)
- LinkedIn Learning access for ongoing professional development
- Long-service awards and active social events
If you have any queries about the application process please contact the HR Office at HR@uhi.ac.uk.