The McDonald Institute invites applications for the fifth annual Fellowship in archaeology (broadly defined), aimed at candidates of Black identity or heritage.
The Institute aims to nurture excellence in archaeology regardless of background, and to support diverse knowledges, approaches and practices within the discipline. We recognise that persistent structural inequalities disadvantage people from Black backgrounds and communities, including within higher education and academic research. As such, we are keen to support underrepresented early career researchers of Black identity or heritage in developing their research portfolios and progressing within academia.
This one-year postdoctoral Fellowship is designed to attract research excellence. The successful candidate will receive training, mentorship and support to help drive their career forward and contribute to a more diverse pipeline of future academic talent.
Benefits
- Up to £2,500 relocation costs
- Up to £5,000 for training and research expenses during the Fellowship year
- Eligibility to apply for up to £5,000 per annum (for up to three years) from the D.M. McDonald Grants and Awards Fund following the Fellowship
- Up to £2,500 for one subsequent return visit to Cambridge
The Fellow will also have the opportunity to take up a College Post-Doctoral Associate (CPDA) position at Jesus College for the duration of the Fellowship. It may be possible to extend the Fellowship (excluding the CPDA) for one further University term, subject to funding and circumstances.
The successful applicant will take up the Fellowship on 1 October 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. Applicants must normally have defended their PhD within seven years of the closing date.
Applications are welcomed from all areas of archaeology, broadly construed, including human evolution, heritage and museum studies. There are no restrictions on methodological approach, period, or geographic focus. Applicants should propose a clearly defined research project to be developed over the course of the Fellowship.
We strongly encourage applications from candidates of any nationality. The successful candidate must have, or be able to obtain, the right to live and work in the UK, and support will be provided where appropriate.
The Fellowship is open to applicants who self-identify as being of Black identity or heritage, including (but not limited to): Black British, Black African, Black Caribbean, African American, Black American, dual-heritage, and other Black backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Applicants are advised to consult the further particulars before applying, as these contain essential information about the application process and required documentation.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
To apply, please register and submit your application via the University of Cambridge recruitment system.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to the Deputy Director: opportunities@mcdonald.cam.ac.uk
For queries regarding the application process, please contact Faculty HR: hr@hsps.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference JC49506 in your application and any correspondence.
Closing date: Midnight (UK time), Monday 25 May 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr”, “datePosted”: “2026-05-21”, “hiringOrganization”: { “@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “Diversity Dashboard”, “sameAs”: “https://uk.whatjobs.com/pub_api__cpl__438856257__4861?utm_campaign=publisher&utm_medium=api&utm_source=4861&geoID=126” }, “jobLocation”: { “@type”: “Place”, “address”: { “@type”: “PostalAddress”, “addressLocality”: “Cambridge” } } }The McDonald Institute invites applications for the fifth annual Fellowship in archaeology (broadly defined), aimed at candidates of Black identity or heritage.
The Institute aims to nurture excellence in archaeology regardless of background, and to support diverse knowledges, approaches and practices within the discipline. We recognise that persistent structural inequalities disadvantage people from Black backgrounds and communities, including within higher education and academic research. As such, we are keen to support underrepresented early career researchers of Black identity or heritage in developing their research portfolios and progressing within academia.
This one-year postdoctoral Fellowship is designed to attract research excellence. The successful candidate will receive training, mentorship and support to help drive their career forward and contribute to a more diverse pipeline of future academic talent.
Benefits
- Up to £2,500 relocation costs
- Up to £5,000 for training and research expenses during the Fellowship year
- Eligibility to apply for up to £5,000 per annum (for up to three years) from the D.M. McDonald Grants and Awards Fund following the Fellowship
- Up to £2,500 for one subsequent return visit to Cambridge
The Fellow will also have the opportunity to take up a College Post-Doctoral Associate (CPDA) position at Jesus College for the duration of the Fellowship. It may be possible to extend the Fellowship (excluding the CPDA) for one further University term, subject to funding and circumstances.
The successful applicant will take up the Fellowship on 1 October 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. Applicants must normally have defended their PhD within seven years of the closing date.
Applications are welcomed from all areas of archaeology, broadly construed, including human evolution, heritage and museum studies. There are no restrictions on methodological approach, period, or geographic focus. Applicants should propose a clearly defined research project to be developed over the course of the Fellowship.
We strongly encourage applications from candidates of any nationality. The successful candidate must have, or be able to obtain, the right to live and work in the UK, and support will be provided where appropriate.
The Fellowship is open to applicants who self-identify as being of Black identity or heritage, including (but not limited to): Black British, Black African, Black Caribbean, African American, Black American, dual-heritage, and other Black backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Applicants are advised to consult the further particulars before applying, as these contain essential information about the application process and required documentation.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
To apply, please register and submit your application via the University of Cambridge recruitment system.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to the Deputy Director: opportunities@mcdonald.cam.ac.ukFor queries regarding the application process, please contact Faculty HR: hr@hsps.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference JC49506 in your application and any correspondence.
Closing date: Midnight (UK time), Monday 25 May 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…