9 Fully Funded MSCA PhD Positions in Archaeology at IPHES

About the Program

The Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA) invites applications for 9 (Nine) fully funded MSCA PhD positions in Prehistoric Archaeology and Paleoecology under the project “Proxies from Small Vertebrates in Prehistoric Archaeology (PALPROX)”. These nine doctoral researcher positions are offered within the PALPROX Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network, funded by Horizon Europe. The research focuses on Late Pleistocene small vertebrates as proxies for climate change, biodiversity loss, and human paleoecology. Supervised by leading European scholars, including Dr Juan Manuel López-García and international co-supervisors, the programme aligns with IPHES’s interdisciplinary research strategy. The three-year PhD programme, based in Tarragona, Spain, with mobility across France, Poland, and Portugal, begins in June 2026 and provides advanced training, international collaboration, and strong academic career development opportunities.

Program Details

Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
Institution: Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA)
Department/Faculty: Doctoral Network PALPROX
Supervisor: Multiple supervisors depending on the project, including Dr Juan Manuel López-García
Location: Tarragona, Spain, with mobility across Europe
Start Date (Anticipated): June 2026
Duration: 3 years
No. of Posts: 9 PhD positions
Funding: Full MSCA funding including salary, mobility, and research costs
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
Required Degree/Diploma: A Master’s degree or equivalent in Archaeology, Zoology, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or related disciplines is required.

Research Focus / Area

Prehistoric Archaeology and Paleoecology
Small Vertebrate Analysis
Late Pleistocene Climate Reconstruction
Geometric Morphometrics and Osteology
Stable Isotope and aDNA Studies
GIS, Remote Sensing, and Ecological Modelling

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

Master’s degree in a relevant discipline related to archaeology, zoology, environmental science, or earth sciences.
Compliance with MSCA mobility rules, with no long-term residence in the host country during the eligibility period.
Minimum academic score of 7/10, or an equivalent grade across bachelor’s and master’s qualifications.
B2-level English proficiency, demonstrated through recognised certification or an accepted institutional assessment.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous research experience in archaeology, paleoecology, zoology, or closely related interdisciplinary fields.
Strong academic background with evidence of analytical thinking, independent research, and scientific writing skills.
Familiarity with quantitative, geospatial, or laboratory-based methods, including GIS, morphometrics, isotopes, or related tools.

Key Features of the Program

Interdisciplinary doctoral training combining archaeology, climate science, zoology, and advanced analytical methodologies.
Highly international research environment within a structured Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network.
Access to advanced analytical facilities, specialist laboratories, and institutional research infrastructure.
Funded conference participation, professional development training, and structured academic supervision.
Collaboration with leading European universities and research centres across Spain, France, Poland, and Portugal.