Welcome to the website for Early Career Archaeologists, an initiative of the European Association of Archaeologists. We are a community of young professionals, postgraduates and postdocs, from the academic, heritage and commercial sectors, collaborating to support each other and make sure that no-one is left behind.

Pursuing a career in archaeology can sometimes feel hopeless and isolating. No matter how hard you work, early career archaeologists face daunting obstacles spurred by economy-wide trends like casualisation and erosion of labour rights. Archaeologists are increasingly confronted with long working hours, job insecurity, imposed mobility, and poor long-term career prospects, as well as ongoing gender and racial discrimination and pay-gaps. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially when juggling commitments like family and children, can be difficult in the face of an over-saturated job market that enforces high performance through disposability. 

If you are an early career archaeologist who has felt the effects of these systemic issues on your career and wellbeing, or if you are concerned about the direction of the discipline and the wellbeing of your colleagues, then this community is for you. If you feel over-worked, under-paid and under-recognised, we are here to help. Join us and make an impact!