PhD Position: (Re)Constructing the Archaeology of Mobile Pastoralism (CAMP) at Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
About the Program
Pompeu Fabra University offers a fully funded PhD position as part of the ERC Consolidator Grant project titled “(Re)Constructing the Archaeology of Mobile Pastoralism (CAMP): Bringing the Site Level into Long-Term Pastoral Narratives.” This exciting research opportunity is based in the Department of Humanities in Barcelona and focuses on innovative approaches to studying ancient mobile pastoralism through archaeobotanical and geoethnoarchaeological methods.
Led by Dr. Stefano Biagetti, the project combines archaeology with natural sciences within the Culture and Socio-Ecological Dynamics (CASEs) research group, offering a vibrant international environment and fieldwork experience in Africa and Asia. This PhD will enable students to contribute to pioneering research on plant microremains and soil geochemical signatures in dryland pastoral landscapes.
Program Details
- Position: Fully Funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: Pompeu Fabra University
- Department: Department of Humanities
- Supervisor: Dr. Stefano Biagetti
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Start Date: October 2025
- Duration: 3 years, full-time
- Funding: Fully funded through ERC Consolidator Grant; annual gross stipend approx. €17,000 plus conference travel support
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Required Degree: Master’s degree in Archaeology, Plant Biology, or related fields
Research Focus
- Investigation of plant microremains (phytoliths and starches) in archaeological and ethnographic pastoral contexts
- Analysis of soil geochemistry and elemental composition using techniques such as pXRF and ICP
- Field sampling and laboratory work in geo-ethnoarchaeology
- Integrating multivariate data to study subsistence and land-use patterns in dryland pastoral systems
- Bridging archaeobotany, geoarchaeology, and ethnoarchaeology to innovate research methodologies
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Archaeology, Plant Biology, or related discipline
- Proven experience in archaeobotany
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Interest or experience in ethnoarchaeology, African archaeology, and botanical microremains
- Ability to conduct fieldwork in challenging environments
- Strong academic record and research skills
Key Features of the Program
- Immersion in an international and interdisciplinary research group (CASEs)
- Access to cutting-edge lab facilities and international fieldwork opportunities
- Funding available for conference participation in years 2 and 3
- Support for publishing research in high-impact academic journals
- Language support to learn Spanish or Catalan during the first year
- Shared workspace at Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Campus de la Ciutadella
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit your application online via the Interfolio portal — free and confidential.
Required Documents:
- Academic CV
- Statement of Interest (max 5000 characters including spaces)
- Official Master’s degree transcript
- Contact information of two academic referees
Important Dates:
- Applications Open: May 23, 2025
- Deadline: July 10, 2025 (17:00 GMT)
- Interviews: Scheduled approximately two weeks after the deadline, conducted online
- Results Notification: Within one week after interviews
Where to Apply
- University Website: Pompeu Fabra University
- Job Posting Link: ERC-Funded PhD CAMP Project – UPF
- Application Portal: Apply on Interfolio
