Principal Researcher in Human Evolution

Submitted: 03/13/2026
Submitted By: Fred Spoor
Department: Science
Institution: Natural History Museum, London, U.K.
Job type: Full time
Apply by: 04/17/2026
Application Email:
Application URL: https://jobs.nhm.ac.uk/Account/RegisterNoPassword1?JobId=735

Natural History Museum, London, U.K.

Principal Researcher in Human Evolution (permanent)

The Centre for Human Evolution Research (CHER) at the Natural History Museum (London, U.K.) is seeking a dynamic and visionary Principal Researcher to advance the scientific frontier of human evolutionary studies. The ideal candidate will be someone who can challenge established paradigms, harness emerging technologies, and develop an internationally leading, well-funded research programme that transforms how we understand our origins.

We are looking for a researcher with a broad, integrative approach to hominin evolution and the ability to contextualise new discoveries. The successful candidate will lead a collaborative, interdisciplinary research agenda that bridges hominin fossils with other collections-based sciences.

We seek a dynamic and collaborative researcher who will unlock the full potential of our collections by deploying cutting‑edge methodologies—from genomics, AI, and quantitative modelling to palaeomics, isotopic analysis, high‑resolution imaging, and beyond. Areas of particular interest include evolutionary anatomy, functional morphology, niche modelling, species diversity and distribution, environmental impacts of human behaviour, and innovative approaches to the Middle and Upper Pleistocene record.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities
– Lead an innovative research programme in Pleistocene human evolution
– Enhance and use our collections to undertake innovative, integrative research
– Pioneer non-destructive analytical techniques (e.g. synchrotron, micro-CT)
– Publish high quality and impactful research
– Contribute to the development and impact of CHER
– Develop national and international research collaborations
– Secure significant independent external funding to support a vibrant research programme.
– Actively contribute to outreach events and activities to share research of the Centre and the Museum with wider audiences
– Contributing to postgraduate training and development
– Contribute to and participate in other Museum activities (e.g., development, corporate events) as required

What We’re Looking for
– Doctorate in human evolution or related subject
– Significant background and expertise in the Pleistocene hominin fossil record
– Outstanding research profile relating to the human fossil record demonstrated by publications
– Track record of implementing novel methodologies that have advanced existing evolutionary paradigms
– Proven ability to lead independent research projects
– Broad experience of participation and preferably evidence of leadership in national and international interdisciplinary collaborations
– Experience with leading high-performing research teams
– Demonstrated ability to secure independent research funding
– Experience in outreach activities and public dissemination of science, demonstrated by engagement with media, public speaking or development of exhibitions
– Engagement with the wider academic community, demonstrated by participation in editorial/funding/advisory panels, conference organisation and other measures of esteem
– Research related to fieldwork as part of ongoing programme
– Postgraduate training experience at both MSc and PhD levels

Key Information
Salary: £52,619 per annum, grade 3
Hours: Full time, 36 per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing date for applications: 17th April.
First stage assessment: from 4th May.

To apply, please complete an online application through our recruitment portal:
https://jobs.nhm.ac.uk/Account/RegisterNoPassword1?JobId=735

More information
– NHM Candidate Pack Principal Researcher in Human Evolution (PDF): https://jobs.nhm.ac.uk/Job/GetJobAdvertDocument?Id=1015&JobId=735
– Website: https://jobs.nhm.ac.uk/Job/JobDetail?jobid=735&isPreview=Yes&advert=external