CNRS Archaeology Researcher Job in France (2026)

About Position / Job

CNRS – National Center for Scientific Research is offering a full-time Researcher in Archaeology and Area Supervisor (Late Antiquity) position within the internationally recognised DADAN archaeological project. This role is based at the Orient et Méditerranée (UMR 8167) department in Villejuif, France, and is supervised by Jérôme Rohmer, the project coordinator. Funded for a minimum duration of 27 months (November 2025 – March 2028), the position focuses on the late antique occupation (3rd–7th century AD) of the ancient city of Dadan (Al-Ula region, north-western Arabia). The role combines field excavation, area supervision, data management, publication, and training, with strong emphasis on Near Eastern archaeology, interdisciplinary research methods, GIS, photogrammetry, and international collaboration with Saudi and French teams. This position aligns closely with the department’s goals in advancing archaeological research on ancient and medieval societies of the Near East.

Position / Job Details

Position: Researcher in Archaeology and Area Supervisor (Late Antiquity)
Institution: CNRS – National Center for Scientific Research
Department: Orient et Méditerranée (UMR 8167)
Research Field: Archaeology, Ancient History, Medieval History
Location: Villejuif, France
Number of Posts: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (CDD)
Start Date (Anticipated): March 2026
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary Range: Not specified
Required Degree / Diploma: PhD

Research Area

Late Antique Archaeology (3rd–7th century AD)
Near Eastern and Arabian Peninsula archaeology
Ancient and Medieval history
Archaeological fieldwork and excavation supervision
GIS, CAD, photogrammetry, and digital archaeology

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in Archaeology or equivalent
At least 10 years of experience as an area supervisor
Proven experience in archaeological excavations, preferably in the Near East or Arabian Peninsula
Strong knowledge of Late Antique history and archaeology
Excellent command of digital archaeological tools (QGIS/ArcGIS, Adobe Illustrator, Agisoft Metashape, FileMaker Pro)
English level B2 or higher
Valid Class B driving licence

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience supervising international field teams
Background in training students and technicians
Strong academic writing and publication record

Key Responsibilities

Supervise excavation of the Late Antique sector (Sector E) at Dadan for 12–15 weeks per year
Lead teams of technicians, workers, and students
Manage excavation documentation and archival records
Prepare annual scientific excavation reports
Contribute to peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and seminars
Train Saudi and French students
Assist with logistical and scientific planning of field campaigns