Fellowship Overview
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30th September 2027 in the first instance.
The McDonald Institute invites applications for the fifth annual Fellowship in archaeology, broadly defined, aimed at candidates of Black Identity or Heritage. The Institute seeks to nurture excellence in archaeology regardless of background and in pursuit of diverse knowledge, approaches and practices. We recognize that persistent structural inequalities disadvantage people from Black backgrounds and communities, including within higher education and academic research. As such, we aim to enable underrepresented early‑career researchers of Black Identity or Heritage to develop their portfolio of research experience and thrive in academia.
This one‑year post‑doctoral Fellowship is designed to attract research excellence and will provide Fellows with training, mentorship and support to advance their careers and contribute to a more diverse pipeline of future talent.
Benefits
* Annual salary (specific figure not disclosed)
* Up to £2 500 for relocation costs
* Up to £5 000 for training and research costs, to be spent within the year of the Fellowship
* Opportunity to apply for up to £5 000 per annum from the D.M. McDonald Grants and Awards Fund (three years post Fellowship)
* Eligibility for up to £2 500 for one return visit to Cambridge
* Eligibility to take up a College Post‑Doctoral Associate Position (CPD) at Jesus College for the year of appointment. Extension may be possible for one further University term, excluding the CPDA, depending on circumstances and funding.
Eligibility & Qualifications
* Successful applicant will take up the Fellowship on 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
* Applicants must have defended their PhD no more than 7 years prior to the closing date.
* Open to all branches and fields of archaeology, including human evolution, heritage and museum studies.
* No restrictions on methodological approach, period or geographic focus.
* Applicants must propose a well‑focused research project to be developed across the period of the Fellowship.
* Applicants should self‑identify as being from a Black Identity or Heritage background, including Black British, Black African, Black Caribbean, African American, Black American, or other Black backgrounds.
* Applicants from any nationality are encouraged; successful post‑holder must hold or be granted the right to live and work in the UK. The Institute will support work‑right applications.
Application Details
The closing date is midnight (UK time) on Monday 25th May 2026.
Please quote reference JC49506 in any application and correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. It is the responsibility of the University to ensure all employees can live and work in the UK.
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