The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – ReACH Research Officer
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.
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.
Salary: £29,200
Status:Full-time, fixed term 14 months
Location: Hybrid working – Edinburgh office two days per week (pro rata)
Closing date: Sunday 3 May 2026
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