Research Associate & Exhibition Project Curator, Between the Lines (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2029 in the first instance. 

MAA and the Department of Archaeology are seeking to appoint a full-time, fixed term Research Associate and Exhibition Project Curator for the 'Between the Lines: Mapping histories in the margins' project exhibition, to be held at MAA in 2029.

Please note this is a single role, however the role-holder will hold two 50% contracts in parallel to reflect the key responsibilities of the role (Research and Academic-related). 

The Mapping Archaeological Heritage in South Asia (MAHSA) project, funded by Arcadia, aims to protect endangered archaeological and cultural heritage across the Indus River Basin in Pakistan and northwest India. These regions are rich in historical sites, yet face growing threats from development, agriculture, and erosion. MAHSA uses satellite imagery, historical mapping, machine learning, published data and new on-the-ground discoveries to identify and assess at-risk sites, transform legacy data, and fill gaps in spatial coverage. 

The Exhibition, Between the Lines: Mapping Histories in the Margins, is scheduled to open in 2029. It will tell the story of South Asian people and places whose histories have been lost and found, forgotten and remembered and explore how digital technologies can foster new stories, connections, and interactions, showcasing collections drawn from across the University of Cambridge Museums (UCM).

The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA) is one of the nine University of Cambridge Museums and Botanic Garden (UCM). It a key resource for University teaching and research. Its world-class collections attract visiting researchers from all over the world and it maintains an active programme of temporary exhibitions and loans to major exhibitions within the UK and internationally. MAA's collections are Designated for their national and international importance. 

The Department of Archaeology has approximately 35 academic staff with specialist interests in Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Assyriology and Egyptology. The Department, along with Social Anthropology, Sociology, and Politics and International Relations, forms the Faculty of Human, Social and Political Science. In addition to a large number of post-doctoral Research Associates and PhD students, there are a number of Junior Research Fellows working in Cambridge, attached to Colleges, who contribute to the life of the Department. The Department of Archaeology includes the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, the Cambridge Archaeological Unit and the Duckworth Laboratory. 

Please see the further particulars document for full details of the role and person specification.

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

Informal enquiries about this vacancy may be addressed to Dr Mark Elliott, Senior Curator in Anthropology (MAA), by email mje29@cam.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is Sunday 4 October 2026 with interviews on Tuesday 3 November 2026. It is hoped that the successful candidate will take up the appointment in January 2027.

Please quote reference JU51119 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

MAA and the University of Cambridge Museums are committed to inclusion and diversity within our institutions and across the sector, and we particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Museum and the University.

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.