ORCA is looking for a post-doctoral researcher to record and analyse the human remains from a Pictish/Norse cemetery in Orkney.
The post is part of a Historic Environment Scotland-funded project to collate, record and disseminate the archive of a 1970s excavation of the Newark cemetery in the East Mainland parish of Orkney.
Newark is the site of an early medieval chapel and extensive cemetery and was the focus of rescue excavations by the late Professor Brothwell between 1968 and 1972. Some 250 burials were recovered, making it one of the largest medieval cemeteries in Scotland. It was also the location of a post-medieval mansion house, partly revealed during excavation. Subsequent work at Newark includes the recovery of a Class II Pictish symbol stone, the second almost complete example of its type from Orkney.
The appointee will be required to undertake an osteoarchaeological study of an assemblage of human remains from the cemetery, recording and analysing the human remains of circa 215 individuals, held in the Natural History Museum in London. Radiocarbon dating and isotopic analysis will inform the production of a report.
Applicants should possess a doctorate relevant to human osteoarchaeology and be able to demonstrate experience in research organisation and management. Knowledge of the human osteoarchaeology of Orkney would be an advantage. Good verbal and written communication skills are essential, as is the ability work effectively both alone and as part of a team.
The closing date for applications is Sunday, March 1, 2026, with a full job description and details available here.
Applicants with informal questions are encouraged to contact Paul Clark, ORCA’s senior project manager, at paul.clark@uhi.ac.uk.
