Medieval and Post-Medieval Pottery Trainee
This is a Temporary, Full Time vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.
The Vacancy
12 Month Fixed Term Contract
MOLA is seeking to recruit a Trainee Pottery Specialist to join our specialist and post-excavation team based in London.
Working alongside senior Medieval and Post-Medieval pottery specialists, the successful candidate will undertake a 12-month training programme designed to develop the skills needed to confidently identify, record, analyse, interpret, and report on pottery from sites across MOLA’s core operational areas, including London, the East Midlands, and Eastern England.
The role will involve working with assemblages from major infrastructure projects as well as a range of significant excavations. The candidate will be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team, contributing to both fieldwork and post-excavation processes by advising on appropriate methods and procedures throughout excavation and subsequent stages of analysis.
The successful candidate will assist more senior specialists with their projects and in their day-to-day work, and they will receive appropriate training and support to allow them to take responsibility for their own projects. This will involve researching ceramic assemblages from developer-funded excavations and contributing to a range of other MOLA Research activities, and begin to work with finds categories such as glass and clay tobacco pipes. There may be opportunities to establish or build upon their own research interests and to contribute towards the development of grant-funded research projects.
Upon successful completion of the probation period and training contract, the trainee may have the opportunity to progress into a permanent position at MOLA, subject to the future work programme.
A demonstrable interest in Medieval and Post-Medieval pottery, including experience of working with this category of material, is essential, as are excellent organisational and writing skills. The successful candidate will be educated to at least degree level in archaeology, or a related subject, and may have a post-graduate qualification, ideally including extensive time dealing with building material and/or other artefactual evidence. A good general knowledge of British archaeology and experience working in a commercial environment are both desirable.
For full details of the required competencies and experience please see the Job Description and Personal Specification
Want to find out more?
You can apply via our recruitment portal link on the MOLA website where you will find full details of the role along with a job description and person specification.
Please note the closing date for this application is 12th April 2026
Interviews will be held during the week of 20th and 21st April and the appointee would be expected to start in late May 2026.
Artificial intelligence tools may be used to support your application; however, all examples and statements must be truthful, accurate, and based on your own real experience and knowledge.
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK without restrictions. Proof of eligibility will be required prior to commencement.
MOLA promotes diversity and equality of opportunity at all levels, and welcomes applications from people regardless of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, age, or religion or belief.
The Company
MOLA is an experienced and innovative archaeology practice. We have been providing independent, professional heritage advice and services for over 40 years across the UK and internationally on schemes both large and small. Our commercial services are designed to help our development, infrastructure and construction sector clients to meet their planning process requirements swiftly and expertly, with the certainty and value they need.
As an education charity our aim is to inspire people to be curious about their heritage. We are proud of our award-winning community engagement and education programmes, which are founded on partnership and participation. As an Independent Research Organisation, we set out to share the knowledge and information we generate with the widest audience possible for the benefit of society. The research we conduct as part of the planning and development process takes place alongside our own research framework.
The Benefits
Generous annual leave allowance
Cycle to work scheme
Healthcare cash plan
Generous sick pay provision
Employee Assistance Programme
Gym discounts
Generous parental leave
PPE provided
Relevant professional subscriptions paid
Employer contribution pension scheme
Free access to over 900 museums, galleries & exhibitions
Season ticket loans
Documents
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