CENIEH (Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana), Spain, is inviting applications for an African Acheulean Middle Stone Age (MSA) Archaeology Research Fellow position linked to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 call. Candidate applications to CENIEH close on 07 June 2026, while the MSCA fellowship deadline is 09 September 2026.
The successful researcher will join the Archaeology Program at CENIEH, contributing to investigations focused on the origin and evolution of lithic technology during the Pleistocene period. The fellowship concentrates on technological, behavioural, and environmental developments linked to the African Acheulean and the transition towards the Middle Stone Age, recognised as an important yet comparatively understudied phase of human evolution.
The position involves collaborative research with international scientists working at archaeological sites including Gona in Ethiopia and Tighennif in Algeria, alongside laboratory-based investigations in Burgos. Researchers will contribute to lithic studies, field investigations, archaeological interpretation, and interdisciplinary research integrating geochronological and palaeoenvironmental evidence.
Position Details
- Position: African Acheulean–MSA Archaeology Research Fellow
- Institution: CENIEH (Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana), Spain
- Department: Archaeology Program
- Research Discipline: Archaeology, Human Origins, Lithic Technology, Middle Stone Age Studies
- Location: Burgos, Spain
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
- Contract Duration: 12–24 Months
- Start Date: During 2027
- Working Hours: 38.5 hours per week
- Salary/Funding: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship Funding
- Required Qualification: Doctoral Degree (PhD) with a minimum of two years of research experience
Positions at CENIEH attract applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds depending on research priorities, archaeological specialisation, and institutional requirements.
Research Area
- African Acheulean Archaeology
- Middle Stone Age (MSA) Archaeology
- Lithic Technology Research
- Human Origins Studies
- Pleistocene Archaeology
- Experimental Archaeology
- Taphonomy
- Archaeological Fieldwork
- Palaeoenvironmental Research
- Geochronological Studies
Eligibility / Qualifications
Applicants should satisfy the eligibility requirements outlined for the MSCA-2026-PF-01 fellowship programme.
- A completed doctoral degree (PhD) in archaeology or a related discipline
- Minimum two years of research experience following doctoral studies
- Demonstrated expertise in African Stone Age archaeology, particularly Acheulean and Middle Stone Age periods
- Experience conducting lithic analysis and archaeological fieldwork
- Strong English language proficiency
- Knowledge of raw material studies and experimental knapping is considered desirable
- Applicants must currently reside outside Spain
- Researchers of any nationality may apply, including Spanish nationals
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct original research examining Acheulean lithic technology and its transition towards the Middle Stone Age
- Analyse lithic assemblages using qualitative and quantitative archaeological approaches
- Investigate reduction sequences, technological developments, and stone tool production strategies
- Participate in or lead archaeological fieldwork at African prehistoric sites
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers integrating archaeological, geochronological, and palaeoenvironmental datasets
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present research at international academic conferences
Application Process
Applicants interested in this archaeology research fellowship should submit their application materials by email, following the institutional instructions provided by CENIEH: rrhh@cenieh.es.
Required documents:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Currently Open
- Application Deadline: 07 June 2026
- Interview Period: Not Specified
- Expected Start Date: During 2027
- MSCA Fellowship Deadline: 09 September 2026
Eligible researchers are encouraged to submit applications before the closing date, as incomplete or delayed submissions may not be reviewed.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Archaeology research opportunities worldwide
- Global prehistoric studies positions
- Stone Age academic careers in Europe
- Spanish research job listings
- MSCA fellowship programme guide
- European funded research fellowships
- International academic mobility schemes
Related Academic Opportunities
- Global prehistoric studies positions
- Archaeology research opportunities worldwide
- International academic mobility schemes
- Spanish research job listings
- European funded research fellowships
Institutional Overview
The Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH) is a public research institution in Spain dedicated to human evolution, prehistoric archaeology, and paleoanthropological science. Based in Burgos, the institute hosts internationally recognised laboratories and interdisciplinary teams working on archaeological, geological, and evolutionary research.
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