Stories & News

Fitch Laboratory Scientific Research Officer – British School at Athens

September 4, 2025

Fitch Laboratory Scientific Research Officer | Full-Time, Fixed-Term Appointment (5 Years)

Nature of the Role:

Research | Technical Expertise| Training & Mentoring | Strategic Development

Job Description:

The successful candidate will play a central role in advancing the Fitch Laboratory’s research and analytical profile. The position combines independent research, scientific coordination, and strategic development. It is ideally suited to an early-career researcher seeking to expand their academic, technical, and managerial experience.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Independent Research
    Conduct an original programme of research and publication. You may initiate new projects and/or build on existing ones, ideally in alignment with the BSA’s overall research strategy. Contribute to ongoing lab-based research (primarily ceramics-focused), and develop new collaborative initiatives that reflect your expertise, interests, and partnerships.
  • Instrument Management
    Assume full responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and data quality assurance of the Laboratory’s elemental analysis system (currently Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence spectrometer – WDXRF), from sample preparation through to final outputs.
  • Health and Safety/Procurement

Oversee and update risk assessments, health and safety compliance, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Coordinate the purchase of analytical equipment, consumables, and laboratory supplies.

  • Staff Supervision/Training:
    Supervise Analytical Assistant(s) and ensure high standards in laboratory protocols, sample preparation, and data handling; contribute to the academic supervision of postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers
  • Strategic Development:
    Work with the Fitch Laboratory Director (FLD) to shape the future of elemental analysis at the Fitch Laboratory, exploring innovative techniques and technologies that align with the lab’s evolving research strategy. While building on the success of the current WDXRF system, the role involves assessing new opportunities to expand and future-proof the lab’s analytical capacity.
  • External Services:
    Provide some elemental analysis services to external users, balancing research priorities with service provision.
  • Leadership Role:
    Serve as Assistant Director of the laboratory, leading day-to-day operations when the FLD is absent. Collaborate with the FLD on the lab’s research strategy, policy development, fundraising initiatives, and training programmes, ensuring resources and equipment meet research needs.
  • Community Participation:
    Contribute to the academic and social life of the BSA. Active participation into the BSA community is considered essential.
  • Professional Standards:
    Adhere to the BSA’s Code of Conduct, as outlined in the contract of employment.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

  • A PhD in Archaeological Science (preferably with a BSc or MSc in Chemistry or another relevant physical science), or in a related field such as Chemistry or Materials Science, combined with training and/or experience in archaeological science.
  • Independent proficiency in elemental analysis of archaeological inorganic materials, including sample preparation, instrument calibration and operation, as well as data quality control.
  • Proficiency in the statistical treatment and interpretation of elemental data within an archaeological context.
  • A developing track record of high-quality research with the potential for international recognition, including peer-reviewed publications
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research environment.
  • Evidence of effective leadership, organisational and project coordination skills.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience:

  • Experience with Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF); training on this instrument will be provided if necessary.
  • Experience with laboratory SOPs, health and safety compliance, and procurement of equipment and consumables.
  • Interest or background in experimental archaeology.
  • Commitment to the training and mentoring of junior researchers and laboratory staff.
  • A track record of securing research funding.
  • Familiarity with Aegean or East Mediterranean archaeology.
  • Knowledge of modern Greek.

The post is based in Athens, Greece, and offered as a full-time, fixed term contract of five years (with a one-year probationary period). Gross annual salary will be in the range of €32,500 – 40,000, depending on experience and qualifications, plus private health insurance. The BSA will cover relocation travel to Athens at the commencement of the post, one annual return journey home (up to €350), and return travel at the end of the appointment. The Scientific Research Officer will be required to abide by current appraisal procedures within the British School at Athens. They are directly accountable to the Fitch Laboratory Director, who will serve as line manager.

The position is available from 1st January 2026 (or as soon thereafter as possible).

Further details are available at: http://www.bsa.ac.uk. Informal enquiries about the post may be addressed to the Fitch Laboratory Director, Dr Evangelia Kiriatzi (e.kiriatzi@bsa.ac.uk).

 

Application:

Applications should be submitted via the following link by Monday 13th October 2025.  –APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED–

Applicants are asked to supply the following:

  • A covering letter (no more than two pages), giving the applicant’s contact details, outlining their reasons for applying, giving details of supporting enclosures, and summarising the applicant’s principal qualifications for the job. Applicants are encouraged to include a short statement on equality and diversity.
  • A curriculum vitae, giving details of academic and other qualifications and relevant experience, past employment, research interests, and publications.
  • A description (no more than two pages) of the research which the applicant proposes to pursue while in post, detailing timetable and publication plans.
  • The names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of two academic referees, whom the candidate has contacted in advance and who have agreed to supply letters of reference. Referees will receive on submission of the application an email asking them to send their reference letters via a link by the closing date (13th October 2025).

The BSA is committed to diversity and inclusion in its employment practices

Interviews will be held in early November 2025.