St Andrew’s Castle, Fife © ScARF

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland are looking to hire a new member of staff to help co-ordinate and deliver the final two regional research frameworks as part of the Scottish Archaeological Research Framework (ScARF) project.

The role helps the Society deliver its programme activity to support its mission and vision. This role will include day-to-day management of both the North East of Scotland Archaeological Research Framework (NESARF) and the Forth Valley and Fife Archaeological Research Framework. The role will also contribute to other research-related activities related to the Scottish Archaeological Research Framework. The role will report to the Society Head of Research and have the support of the NESARF and Forth Valley and Fife Project Steering Groups and the authority to run the project on behalf of the Project Advisory Group. The role will help deliver Society aims relating to external strategies as required.

Role: Research Manager – full-time, fixed term for three years

Contract: 36 months (three years)

Salary: £35,400 per annum, with an additional 10% pension contribution

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

Annual leave: 38 days paid holiday per year which includes all normal bank holidays

Reports to: Head of Research

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

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is an equal opportunities employer and believes that diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and encourage all interested individuals to apply. We are happy to explore different ways of working, secondments and alternative arrangements.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage the North East Scotland and Forth Valley and Fife Archaeological Research Framework projects and their outputs
• Manage project budgets and timescales
• Lead the desk-based assessment and literature review of the archaeological resource and previous archaeological research in the regions
• Organise Project Advisory Group meetings, stakeholder engagement, workshops and other project events
• Lead on the writing of the content of the Research Frameworks in consultation with the Project Advisory Groups, stakeholders, and project partners/consultants
• Maintain high academic standards across Society research-related activity
• Manage all copyright associated with the Local and Regional Framework publications
• Final editing of the regional research frameworks following consultation with stakeholders
• Promotion and dissemination of the projects and their outputs in partnership with the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and other key stakeholders
• Line manage two Research Officer posts
• Conduct at all times to maintain the high esteem in which the Society is held, and follow the Society employment policies and health and safety procedures
• Other reasonable tasks as required and agreed with Head of Research

Person Specification

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with an interest in and experience of working in the heritage sector, particularly in Scottish archaeology. They will have demonstrable experience of archaeological research and 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

• Educated to post-graduate degree level or equivalent relevant professional experience
• Knowledge and experience of the Scottish archaeology and heritage sectors
• Excellent organisational ability to work on multiple priorities
• Excellent computer skills – including the use of MS Office 365 and Adobe suite
• Demonstrable experience of research and understanding of high academic standards
• Knowledge of the Society Research Frameworks
• Demonstrable experience of writing research-based papers, articles or other content
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills
• Demonstrable ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholder groups (both verbal and written communication skills)
• Ability to work flexibly, including weekend and out-of-hours work
• Proactive and analytical approach to solving problems
• Strong commitment to the values and ethos of the organisation
• Strong team player with capacity to complete projects collaboratively and independently

Requirements – Desirable

• Understanding of Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy
• Understanding of how research frameworks can provide public benefit
• Demonstrable experience of the use of Historic Environment Records and National Records of the Historic Environment
• Use of Geographic Information System software
• Experience of website editing and content creation (WordPress)
• Demonstrable experience of working on projects with multiple stakeholders
• Demonstrable experience of event management

How to Apply

Submit a CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience, skills and knowledge meets the requirements (cover 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. Please add ‘Research Manager Application’ to the subject line of your email.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in person in Edinburgh or online via Zoom on 19 and 20 March 2026. Reasonable travel expenses can be claimed.

Applicants who are not shortlisted will be informed but 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 in 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 on 8 March 2026

Further Information

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