Osteologist And Senior Human Osteologist

OSTEOLOGIST AND SENIOR HUMAN OSTEOLOGIST

Salary
: £31,239 to £34,169 (osteologist) and £35,458 to £37,779 pa (Senior Osteologist) (depending on grade and experience) + generous benefits package

Hours
:
Full time (37.5 hours/week) or part-time (hours to be discussed)

Locations
: based near Leeds/Bradford

Contract Type
:
Both permanent and fixed-term (up to 3 years), subject to 6 month probation period

Closing Date
:
End of day Monday 16 th March 2026

Headland Archaeology are delighted to offer a new opportunity for enthusiastic and skilled Osteologists to join our post‑excavation team

Why should you apply?

We are a privately owned archaeological business, part of the RSK Group, a leader in integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services. We provide heritage services to the development and construction sectors in UK and across the world. With four offices in England and one in Scotland, we offer our employees:

• Unique knowledge and expertise
  . For nearly 30 years, Headland has provided not only business‑focused archaeology but also people‑focused business. We are highly respected within our industry for our achievements in innovation, tailor‑made development coaching and training, and our expertise in commercial archaeology.
• Strong pioneering spirit
  . Our corporate culture is characterised by a healthy appetite for originality and development.
• Stable company with excellent growth
  . Over the years, we have demonstrated steady, positive economic development and formed successful partnerships.
• Good work environment
  . You will be surrounded by colleagues who are pleasant, professional, and enthusiastic about their work.
• Opportunity to influence
  . You get to work in an open climate, close to decision makers and with the possibility of making a difference.
• Part of RSK group
  . You will have further opportunities to become involved in nationally and internationally prominent projects with exciting prospects for career development. The group has c.17,000 employees and c.200 environmentally led companies.

In Headland we are proud of our people. We will support you to your meet your goals and train you in specific relevant skills to feel confident and succeed in your role.

Headland Archaeology are expanding our in‑house osteology team and are looking for skilled, motivated individuals to undertake osteological assessment and analysis. Positions available can be both part or full time, with permanent and fixed‑term (up to 3 years) contracts available. Successful candidates will join a team of highly qualified specialists from a range of disciplines working on projects from across the UK, but with a particular emphasis on one major infrastructure project.

Other responsibilities may include developing junior staff and providing training and guidance in the excavation of human remains to Headland’s fieldwork teams.

We are looking for candidates who are self‑driven with a positive outlook and with demonstrable expertise in the analysis of human osteological assemblages from UK commercial sites. A track record in commercial reporting is essential at the senior level and a research profile, including a publication record, is essential.

A role within the department offers the opportunity to work closely with academic institutions and independent researchers at the cutting edge of osteological research and to promote and develop research partnerships. Successful applicants will have the chance to study a wide variety of osteological assemblages, dating from the prehistoric through to the post‑medieval period, from sites across Britain. Within the wider post‑excavation department, the position offers to opportunity to contribute to a growing number of site reports, monographs and peer‑reviewed publications.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, record, assess, analyse, interpret and report on osteological assemblages within defined project objectives at assessment and analysis level.
• Provide internal advice and training on the excavation and analysis of human remains.
• Work to established standards, procedures and guidelines as set out by BABAO, CIfA, Historic England, and other professional bodies.
• Contribute to…