The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is looking to hire a new member of staff to help deliver the Research in Action on Church Heritage (ReACH) project.

Working closely with Scotland’s Churches Trust, this role will work with the Research Manager and Community Officer to collate and maintain country-wide information on both the heritage and social value of Scotland’s churches. This role will focus on the collection and organisation of existing information in the project database and conducting additional research where knowledge gaps are identified. The role will also assist with heritage and social value surveys and working with and supporting a network of key stakeholders – the Heritage Action Group.

Role: Research Officer – full-time, fixed term

Contract: 14 months

Salary:  £29,200 per annum

Pension: 10% pension contribution by the employer

Hours: 37 hours (five days) per week with flexible daytime working hours on Monday to Friday, and an occasional requirement to assist at evening or weekend events with time off in lieu (TOIL) given for overtime provided

Location: Hybrid working – all staff are expected to work from our office at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh at least two days per week (pro rata) and employees starting in a new role will be required to work from the office more regularly in the first instance. However, as there are several flights of stairs up to the Society offices, we are happy to explore different ways of working. In addition, this post may spend time at the Scotland’s Churches Trust offices at North Bank Street in Edinburgh.

Reports to: Research Manager for the ReACH project

Probation: There will be a probationary period during which time your skills and suitability for the post will be assessed.

Main Responsibilities

• Work closely with the ReACH team to support the Head of Research and respective Directors of Scotland’s Churches Trust and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland in project delivery
• Input data and maintain the ReACH web-hosted database to store and share information
• Assist with the rapid needs assessment of the heritage assets of Scotland’s church buildings, including both desk-based and proactive survey
• Assist the Research Manager in working with community groups to undertake heritage survey using Scotland’s Churches Trust Rapid Church Recording Methodology
• Assist the Community Officer in working with community-representative organisations to undertake community value surveys using the University of Stirling’s Social Value Toolkit methodology
• Assist in the project communications (including production of newsletters, social media and emails) and promotion of the project
• Support the work of the Heritage Action Group
• Assist with the organisation of a symposium, workshops, and other project events as required

Person Specification

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with an interest and experience of working in the heritage sector, particularly in Scottish archaeology. They will have demonstrable experience of archaeological research and the maintenance of high academic standards. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of developing or using research frameworks. They will be able to manage and prioritise a varied workload and be confident in working with a variety of stakeholders and community groups.

Requirements – essential

• Understanding of heritage data and key Scottish heritage data sources
• Experience in working with and inputting data into heritage-focussed databases
• Excellent computer skills, including the use of databases and MS Office 365
• Excellent organisational ability, including the ability to work on multiple priorities
• Ability to travel and work flexibly, including weekend and out-of-ours work on occasion
• Familiarity with website editing and content creation
• Demonstrable ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholder groups, both verbally and in writing
• Proactive approach to problem solving
• Strong team player with capacity to complete projects both collaboratively and independently
• Commitment to the values and ethos of the organisation

Requirements – desirable

• Familiarity with ecclesiastical heritage
• Experience of working on community engagement projects
• Experience of working on projects with multiple stakeholders
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills
• Experience of event management

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and a covering letter outlining how your experience, skills and knowledge meet the requirements (covering letter to be no more than two sides of A4) by the closing date to the Head of Research, Dr Helen Spencer FSAScot, at helen@socantscot.org.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in person in Edinburgh or online on 20 May 2026. Reasonable travel expenses can be claimed.

Applicants who are not shortlisted will be informed but unfortunately no detailed feedback will be possible.

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is dedicated to meeting the aims and commitments set out in its equality policy. This includes not discriminating under the Equality Act 2010 and building an accurate picture of the make-up of the workforce and encouraging equality and diversity. Please help us by filling in the Equalities Monitoring Form – a link will be emailed to you with receipt of your application. Filling in this form is voluntary and the results are anonymous and are not used in the recruitment process.

Closing date: 11:59 PM (UK time) on 3 May 2026

Further Information

For more information on the project, please visit the Research in Action on Church Heritage website.

For further information on the post, please read the ReACH Research Officer – Full Job Description or contact the Head of Research, Dr Helen Spencer FSAScot, at helen@socantscot.org.

About the Project Partners

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is a heritage charity (SC010440) with global membership providing expertise, support and resources to enhance and promote the understanding and enjoyment of Scotland’s past. The Society has been around for over 240 years, with its first publication dating to 1792. 

Scotland’s Churches Trust

The Scotland’s Churches Trust is a built heritage charity (SC0431054) that was formed in 2012, following the amalgamation of the Scottish Churches Architectural Heritage Trust and Scotland’s Churches Scheme. It is dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of Scotland’s religious built heritage, in all its many forms. It provides support and advice to and advocacy on behalf of Scotland’s churches and seeks to ensure a sustainable future for these buildings while fostering a deeper public appreciation of their cultural significance. It also recently developed an award-winning rapid church recording methodology in response to the ongoing closure crisis.

About the Project Funders

Pilgrim Trust

The role, as part of the Finding Futures for Scotland’s Churches project, is supported by the Pilgrim Trust. The Pilgrim Trust are an independent charitable trust that was set up in 1930 to support the urgent and future needs of the UK. Over the decades, they have supported a wide range of causes, adapting to the changing circumstances and needs in the UK.

They give around £3 million in grants each year to charities and other public bodies that focus on preserving the UK’s heritage or bringing about social change. Their aims are to improve the life chances of the most vulnerable and preserve the best of our past for the public to enjoy.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Finding Futures for Scotland’s Churches is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will provide a rapid assessment and of the heritage assets of churches, prioritising those at risk of closure.  The project will create a comprehensive framework of information to help prioritise significant heritage at risk, and mobilise and support individuals, communities and organisations to find sustainable uses for Scotland’s church buildings.