About

• Working at Durham University
• A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a warm and friendly place to work, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.
• As one of the UK’s leading universities, Durham is an incredible place to define your career. The University is located within a beautiful historic city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by stunning countryside. Our talented scholars and researchers from around the world are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives.
• We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world. Being a part of Durham is about more than just the success of the University, it’s also about contributing to the success of the city, county and community.
• We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world. Being a part of Durham is about more than just the success of the University, it’s also about contributing to the success of the city, county and community.
• Our University Strategy is built on three pillars of research, education and wider student experience, but also on our keen sense of community and of inspiring others to achieve their potential. is built on three pillars of research, education and wider student experience, but also on our keen sense of community and of inspiring others to achieve their potential.
• Our Purpose and Values
• We want our University to be a place where people can be free to be themselves, no matter what their identity or background. Together, we celebrate difference, value one another and are each responsible for creating an inclusive community that is respectful and fair for all.
• Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Durham? information page.
• We want our University to be a place where people can be free to be themselves, no matter what their identity or background. Together, we celebrate difference, value one another and are each responsible for creating an inclusive community that is respectful and fair for all
• The Post and Heritage 360
• As part of Durham University’s strategic Heritage 360 initiative, the Department of Archaeology seeks to appoint an outstanding candidate to the role of Professor of Cultural and Natural Heritage. The successful applicant will have an outstanding research record with evidence of substantial grant capture, collaborative working within and beyond academia, and agenda-setting leadership in the fields of archaeology and heritage research, practice and evidence-based policy. In addition, the candidate will display evidence of innovative teaching of heritage and archaeology at postgraduate level and a proven commitment to academic citizenship.
• Heritage 360
• Heritage 360 is a new and exciting research platform funded through Durham University’s Strategic Research Fund. Dedicated to holistic approaches to heritage, and in particular to drawing together research on natural and cultural heritage, Heritage 360 is supporting senior posts in six academic departments (Archaeology, Biosciences, Chemistry, Geography, History, Modern Languages and Cultures). Successful postholders will be departmentally-based but for the four-year duration of the initiative will be focused on research, with relatively limited teaching load (in agreement with department management). Some contribution to postgraduate and continuing professional development programmes may also be expected. The successful postholder will be expected to bring leadership across disciplines, departments, and faculties, working to enhance existing areas of excellence in heritage research, and to bring innovative approaches and vision for the field. External grant capture is a key part of the scheme, and candidates will be expected to have a track-record in this arena, and to have well-advanced plans for applications. scheme, and candidates will be expected to have a track-record in this arena, and to have well-advanced plans for applications.
• Five themes provide the framework for Heritage 360: Water and Food Security, Heritage Landscapes, Built Environment and Energy, Social Justice and Wellbeing, and Heritage Collections. Some 35 members of Durham staff are involved in the platform as co-investigators; new colleagues will be joining a lively and committed research group with explicit goals around research culture creation and collaboration. While posts are attached to one department, the cross-university Heritage 360 Management Group, consisting of the chairs and co-chairs of the thematic areas, will review and advise on the academic content of the platform, and emergent projects.
• Heritage 360 is challenge-led, with active involvement from seven platform partners from the UK Heritage sector. Individual projects will be expected to work actively with partners and to integrate them into the wider platform. Outreach and engagement with communities, local and global, are also encouraged, as part of the civic obligations of the university, to promote further the work of the platform, and for access to wider community wisdom, learning, and collaboration.
• This post offers an exciting opportunity to make a major contribution to the development of internationally excellent research and teaching, while allowing you unrivalled opportunities to progress and embed your career in a dynamic and progressive institution. For more information please visit This post offers an exciting opportunity to make a major contribution to the development of internationally excellent research and teaching, while allowing you unrivalled opportunities to progress and embed your career in a dynamic and progressive institution. For more information please visit https://www.durham.ac.uk/research/current/strategic-research-fund/h360/.
• The post
• The Department of Archaeology at Durham University seeks to appoint a talented individual to the role of Professor of Cultural and Natural Heritage. We welcome applications from those with research and teaching interests that integrate the fields of cultural and natural heritage with archaeology. We are particularly eager to hear from applicants with a focus on how research can mobilise traditional technologies and knowledge systems in natural and cultural landscape management and collaborate and undertake co-production with a range of non-academic stakeholders in heritage management. The post-holder will have a track record of delivering evidence-based approaches, transcending disciplinary boundaries with evidence of success in securing funding from relevant bodies, and potential to secure significant external income in the future. The post-holder will also have led internationally significant field projects, examining aspects of research into integrating cultural and natural heritage with archaeology. Evidence of leadership in practice and translating research into management plans or evidence-based policy making domains, and stakeholder engagement through equitable partnerships, is also welcomed. This post offers an exciting opportunity to work in a research-intensive department with colleagues working across heritage science, museum studies, conservation, heritage management and archaeology. For more information, please visit our Department pages at https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/archaeology/.
• Professors at Durham
• Professors are encouraged to focus on quality and innovation throughout teaching and research activity. But we’ll also look to you to provide genuine leadership and citizenship - not just in your field, but across the University environment, and in the way your department functions administratively.
• Academic colleagues will have the freedom to deliver teaching and pursue research that is world leading and world changing, in terms of originality, significance and rigour. And we’ll support your ambitions to publish internationally significant research in your area of interest, provide resources to enable you to attend conferences and to fund research activity.
• Applicants must demonstrate world leading research excellence in integrating the fields of cultural and natural heritage with archaeology, with the ability to take a leading role in the development of the Department’s research and teaching, and to fully engage in the services, citizenship and values of the University.
• We strive to provide a working and teaching environment that is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate these key principles as part of the assessment process.

Key responsibilities

• To undertake research that integrates the fields of cultural and natural heritage with archaeology and is world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour, commensurate with the Department’s continuing emphasis on international excellence.
• To make a world-leading contribution to the development of successful research project proposals in pursuit of suitable major UK and international funding opportunities.
• To develop and deliver excellent teaching in the integrated fields of cultural and natural heritage with archaeology. Contributing to the development of the design and high-quality teaching of relevant PGT programmes in heritage.
• Significantly enhancing the quality of the research environment in the Department, the wider University and beyond. Contribute to establishing and leading research groups, research centres, within and beyond the University, and mentoring researchers at all career stages.
• To attract and provide excellent supervision to research students, seek and secure research student funding, and enhance the Department’s commitment to its vibrant and international postgraduate culture.
• Commit and deliver on the department’s vision for a collegial, administratively functioning environment and to the wider University, undertaking leadership activities which support these needs.
• To fully engage in, champion and enhance the values of the Department.
• To work with colleagues across the Durham University Heritage 360 team to develop innovative collaborative approaches to heritage research
• Carry out such other duties as specified by the Head of Department.
• Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key component of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our Purpose and Values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all colleagues undertake activities that are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.
• We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under-represented in our work force, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups.
• If you have taken a career break or periods of leave that may have impacted on the volume and recency of your research outputs and other activities, such as maternity, adoption or parental leave, you may wish to disclose this in your application. The selection committee will take this into account when evaluating your application.
• The University has been awarded the Disability Confident Employer status. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

• Person Specification
• Candidates must demonstrate research excellence in the integration of the fields of cultural and natural heritage with archaeology with the ability to teach our students to an exceptional standard and to fully engage in the services, citizenship and values of the University.
• Research
• Candidates will demonstrate world-leading and world-changing research, and leadership in a research field within and / or beyond their institution(s), with research outputs consistently recognised as internationally excellent.
• Essential Research Criteria – Grade 10
• Qualifications - a good first degree and a PhD in archaeology, heritage or a related subject, or equivalent experience.
• Outputs 1 - evidence of research outputs which are consistently recognised as world leading with some output being evaluated as internationally significant. Candidates are asked to submit TWO research papers or books published since 2020 with their application (as outlined in the How to Apply section below). Candidates may additionally choose to submit evidence such as external peer review of their outputs.
• Outputs 2 – evidence of published or unpublished evidence-based policy and practice reports which are recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent. Candidates are asked to submit TWO reports with their application (as outlined in the How to Apply section below). Candidates may additionally choose to submit evidence such as uptake or implementation of their reports
• Personal Research Plan - evidence of a personal research plan which supports and enhances the aims of Heritage 360 and Durham University and the Department of Archaeology’s research strengths, highlighting your commitment to the integration of the fields of cultural and natural heritage with archaeology.
• Research Leadership - leadership of national and international research groups and networks, with an internationally recognised contribution to the development of research fields, as well as leadership of research groups and / or mentoring of early career researchers. Research Leadership - leadership of national and international research groups and networks, with an internationally recognised contribution to the development of research fields, as well as leadership of research groups and / or mentoring of early career researchers. Candidates may choose to include information about research group leadership, mentoring of research colleagues, invitations to and engagement with significant external events, engagement with international networks or projects, serving on advisory boards, review bodies or commissions, external PhD examination.
• PhD Supervision - a significant contribution to the development of PhD programmes and / or groups, including successful recruitment and excellent supervision of PhD students and examination of research degrees. PhD Supervision - a significant contribution to the development of PhD programmes and / or groups, including successful recruitment and excellent supervision of PhD students and examination of research degrees. PhD Supervision - a significant contribution to the development of PhD programmes and / or groups, including successful recruitment and excellent supervision of PhD students and examination of research degrees.
• Research Impact – demonstrable leadership of research that has significant evidence-based policy and practice impact beyond the Candidate’s institution(s).
• Income Generation – evidence of leadership of successful research projects and / or successful research grant proposals.
• Education
• Candidates will be able to evidence excellence in the development and delivery of teaching. They will demonstrate leadership, distinction and innovation in the design and delivery of high-quality learning environments and curricula, including curriculum development, that enables student to achieve their potential.
• Essential Education Criteria

Qualification - candidates must evidence substantial and sustained educational leadership demonstrated by

• Evidence of at least one example of co-ordination, support, supervision, management and/or mentoring of others in relationship to learning and teaching, or;
• Successful completion of the DELTA3 course (“Leadership in Learning and Teaching”) or the DELTA4 course (“Strategic Leadership in Learning and Teaching”), or;
• Achievement of, or potential progression towards, Senior or Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (https://www.heacademy.auk/individuals/fellowship/fellow), which is the national body that champions teaching excellence.
• Quality - evidence of excellence in the development and delivery of high-quality and distinctive teaching, at least at a nationally competitive level. Evidence of training, educating and mentoring other teachers in the department and/or the University in relationship to learning and teaching. Candidates may choose to provide MEQ scores and / or peer reviews of teaching.
• Innovation – leadership and influence in in curriculum/new programme development and the development of innovative teaching and the design of learning environments/curricula that provide high quality teaching and student experience at an internationally competitive level including lectures, small group learning, practicals and placements, and/or using technology or other techniques to enhance learning and/or assessment, especially in teaching focused on integrating fields of cultural and natural heritage.
• Strategic - demonstrating leadership and influence in the design and delivery of excellent teaching activities and the creation of learning environments that enable students to achieve their potential.
• Services, Citizenship and Values
• Candidates will demonstrate sustained excellence of leadership in the provision of the administrative and collegial functioning requirements of the Department, Faculty and University, positively contributing to the University Values and to fostering a respectful environment; as well as demonstrating their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Essential Services, Citizenship and Values criteria – Grade 10
• Collegial contribution – evidence of a significant contribution to the collegial work and environment of the Candidate’s Department, Faculty, institution and / or discipline. (Candidates may choose to evidence departmental or University roles, Faculty or University level committees or projects, mentoring activity, pastoral and academic support of students, engagement with widening participation, proactive support of the work of professional services colleagues, contributions to departmental programme management and/or strategic development, contribution to equality and diversity initiatives and membership or engagement with external bodies).
• Leadership - evidence of sustained excellence in leadership activities that support the administrative functioning of the candidate’s Department, Faculty or University and / or which support the development of their discipline. (Candidates may choose to detail any leadership roles which they have undertaken, preferably in an academic context).
• Communication - candidates must have excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to engage with a range of students and colleagues across a variety of forums.
• Contact Information
• Department contact for academic-related enquiries
• Professor Dan Lawrence, dan.lawrence@durham.ac.uk
• Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application
• If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk
• Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).
• University contact for general queries about the recruitment process
• How to Apply
• We prefer to receive applications online.
• Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
• What to Submit

All applicants are asked to submit

• A CV
• A covering letter which details your experience, strengths and potential in the requirements set out above;
• Personal research plan.
• TWO of your most significant recent pieces of published written work (published after 2020).
• TWO published or unpublished evidence-based policy and practice reports.
• Where possible we request that you provide accessible web links to your publications, which the hiring Department will use to access your work. The application form contains fields in which to enter each of the web links.
• Please note we are unable to access publications behind a paywall.
• In the event you are unable to provide accessible links to online hosting of your work, publications should be uploaded as PDFs as part of your application in our recruitment system.
• Please ensure that your PDFs are not larger than 5mb. Your work may be read by colleagues from across the Department and evaluated against the current REF criteria;
• All application documents should be uploaded with your name and document type as PDF files.
• We will notify you on the status of your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails.
• Referees
• You should provide 3 academic referees they should not (if possible) include your PhD supervisor(s). The majority should be from a University other than your own.
• References will be requested for candidates who have been shortlisted and will be made available to the panel during the interview process.
• As part of your application, you will be asked whether you give your consent to your academic references being sought should you be invited to attend an interview. We will only request references where permission has been granted.
• Next Steps
• All applications will be considered; our usual practice is for colleagues across the Department to read the submitted work of long-listed candidates.
• Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will normally include a presentation to staff and PGR students in the Department followed by an interview and informal conversations with staff, and we anticipate that the assessments and interviews will take place over two days in or around March 2026.
• In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date.
• Applicant Guidance
• For further guidance on your application please see HERE