Job Description

Limited-term, fractional employment opportunity.

Application deadline: 23:59 on 20/02/2026.

Meeting schedule: Starting the week of 11 March 2026.

Because of the intricate nature of the Skilled Worker Visa process, individuals needing sponsorship should verify their status via the Home Office portal. We are unable to offer counsel during the initial phase and will only address immigration pathways with those selected for meetings.

We intend to hire a 0.8FTE Analysis Specialist for ‘Cookham Abbey Connects’, a triennial initiative centered on current excavations of a significant Anglo-Saxon religious site in Cookham, Berkshire. This venture is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Utilizing these contributions, we aim to enhance the impact of this major archaeological discovery for various groups.

Your duties involve overseeing the Cookham collection and electronic records, directing the evaluation and translation of finds, generating top-tier material for scholarly journals, funding requests, and press releases, while assisting in community outreach.

Required Attributes:

Comprehensive post-fieldwork capabilities, specifically constructing stratigraphic accounts and diagrams.
Expertise in the administration of electronic archaeological repositories.
Proficiency in technical drawing software (such as Adobe Illustrator).
A history of contributing to scholarly archaeological reporting.
Strong capabilities in written and interpersonal exchange.
An undergraduate qualification or similar in Archeology or a related discipline.

Your supervisor will be the Project Lead, Professor Gabor Thomas, working in tandem with faculty involved in the Cookham Abbey digs, such as the Field School Manager. A dedicated advisor will be paired with you to offer assistance and direction throughout your integration period.

The Archeology Department resides within the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science (SAGES). Both the School and Department are recognized for providing innovative, learner-focused curricula. The University of Reading holds the premier position in Great Britain for the excellence of its archaeological investigations and publications (Times Higher Education rankings, REF 2021).

Additional departmental data is accessible online at: www.reading.ac.uk/archaeology. The institution strives to maintain a status as a preferred workplace, fostering a collaborative and helpful environment. Comprehensive information regarding employee assistance is located on the University’s wellness site.

Job Data Table

Category	Details
Company Name	University of Reading
Location	Reading, United Kingdom
Locality	Berkshire
Country	United Kingdom
City	Reading
Region	South East
Job Type	Part-time / Fixed Term Contract (0.8FTE)
Salaries	£36,636 pro rata, per annum
Experience Level	Track-record of publishing excavations
Travel	Not Specified
Language	English
Benefits	Mentorship, inclusive workplace, health and wellbeing support

Skills & Competency Table

Skill	Competency Level
Post-excavation Analysis	Expert
Digital Archive Management	Advanced
Adobe Illustrator	Proficient
Stratigraphic Narratives	Advanced
Academic Writing	Expert
Public Engagement	Proficient

Salaries Pay Calculator Table

Annual Salary	Bonus	Total Compensation	Notes
£36,636	Not Specified	£29,308.80	Pro rata amount based on 0.8FTE status.

Job Summary

This 0.8FTE role supports the three-year ‘Cookham Abbey Connects’ project at the University of Reading. You will manage archaeological archives, lead data interpretation, and produce content for academic and public audiences. The position requires strong post-excavation skills, digital illustration proficiency, and a degree in Archeology or a related field.

FAQs

What is the duration of this contract? It is a fixed-term contract lasting for the 3-year project duration.

What is the closing date for applications? The deadline for applications is 23:59 on February 20, 2026.

Who is the Project Director for this role? The role reports to Professor Gabor Thomas, the Cookham Abbey Connects Project Director.

Are specific digital skills required? Yes, knowledge of digital excavation archives and proficiency in Adobe Illustrator are required.

Is visa sponsorship provided for this role? Applicants must check eligibility themselves; Visa routes are only discussed if the candidate is invited to interview.

Expert Analysis

The University of Reading currently holds the #1 spot in the UK for archeology research quality. This role offers high-prestige involvement in Anglo-Saxon studies. Statistics indicate that approximately 15.6% of the University’s staff are from ethnic minority backgrounds, reflecting its commitment to the Race Equality Charter mentioned in the posting.

Location & Logistics Guide

Reading is a major hub in Berkshire with excellent rail links to London and the West. The University’s Whiteknights campus is centrally located. Logistics involved coordinating between the campus and the Cookham excavation site. Wikipedia:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading,_Berkshire

Career Path

This position is an ideal stepping stone for an academic career or a senior role in commercial archaeology. The focus on high-quality academic publications and grant applications provides the necessary credentials for future Senior Research Fellowships or Lecturer positions within top-tier global archeology departments or heritage management organizations.

To apply for this job please visit www.jobs.ac.uk.