Cantonal Archaeologist and Head of Archaeological Ground Research

Taking responsibility: As Cantonal Archaeologist, you bear overall responsibility for the Archaeological Ground Research Basel-Stadt (ABBS) as well as for positioning the institution within the municipal, cantonal and national context.

Developing archaeology: You are responsible for the strategic orientation and further development in accordance with the Monument Protection Act and the Ordinance concerning Cantonal Archaeology. You develop a future-proof strategy and drive forward the digital transformation.

Maintaining collaboration: You maintain active collaboration with politics, the cantonal administration and the Basel museums. You sustainably expand partnerships with the University of Basel and other research institutions. In addition, you continue to lead inter-cantonal cooperation.

Conveying cultural heritage: Together with your team, you ensure the communication of the cantonal archaeological cultural heritage to the public. Through educational offerings, you make the archaeological heritage accessible to a broad audience as part of cultural life.

Promoting an inspiring leadership culture: You stand for an inspiring leadership culture that encourages initiative, teamwork and delegation, thereby creating a motivating and fulfilling working environment.

Experience: For this demanding role, we are looking for a personality with proven leadership experience, national networking as well as sound knowledge in archaeology and experience in digital transformation.

Personality: You are decisive, possess entrepreneurial thinking and management experience as well as flair for communication and teamwork. You can convincingly represent the concerns of Archaeological Ground Research.

Education: A broad professional knowledge of archaeology is required, demonstrated by a completed Master’s degree and practical experience in archaeological service. You are familiar with political processes and ideally have business management knowledge.

Language: You have very good German skills as well as good knowledge of English and French.

Archaeological Ground Research Basel-Stadt is a cantonal specialist office within the Department of Culture and is assigned to the Presidential Department. In the field of cultural preservation, it focuses on securing, researching and communicating the archaeological heritage of the Canton of Basel-Stadt. In doing so, it opens up new sources on the city and cantonal history for the general public and science. This serves on the one hand to preserve cultural heritage, and on the other hand to engage the population with historical topics.

Archaeological Ground Research secures the future of the past. With around 60 employees and four departments, it has developed into a centre of expertise and a reliable partner for other administrative offices and regional memory institutions. The ABBS regularly collaborates with cantonal museums, cantonal monument preservation and the University of Basel. It operates 25 Archaeological Information Centres in the city and offers around 60 events annually for a broad audience. We look forward to receiving your complete application documents by 25 November 2026.