CNRS, France, is recruiting for an Ancient Manuscript Data Scientist Position at the Léon Robin Centre for Research on Ancient Thought. This 12-month funded research role supports the ERC PALAI project, focusing on computer vision methods, scientific imaging, and tomography data analysis for ancient manuscripts using deep learning techniques.
The successful candidate will adapt existing Vesuvius Challenge open-source pipelines to analyse newly released tomography datasets of carbonised manuscript rolls while developing reusable computer vision methodologies for palimpsest manuscripts. The role combines computer vision, deep learning, scientific imaging, and digital humanities within an interdisciplinary research environment involving classical philology and manuscript studies.
Building on this research, the appointment focuses on adapting and validating neural network models for ink detection where annotated training data remain limited. The researcher will document reusable workflows, formalise technical methodologies, and contribute to the scientific interpretation of project results, ensuring that developed tools can support future research across the wider manuscript corpus.
Within the research programme, the position offers the opportunity to contribute to an internationally funded European Research Council project investigating non-invasive approaches for reading damaged manuscripts. The work combines artificial intelligence, computer vision, and scientific imaging with manuscript research, supporting methodological innovation while collaborating with researchers specialising in philology, imaging science, and digital heritage.
Position Details
- Position: Data Scientist / Computer Vision for Ancient Manuscripts
- Official Reference Number: UMR8061-VICGYS-011
- Institution: CNRS, France
- Department: Léon Robin Centre for Research on Ancient Thought (UMR 8061)
- Research Discipline: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Digital Humanities, Scientific Imaging
- Location: Paris, France
- Job Type: Research Scientist (Fixed-Term Contract)
- Contract Duration: 12 Months
- Start Date: September 2026 (1 September 2026)
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary/Funding: €2,991.58–€4,756.76 per month, depending on experience
- Required Qualification: Master’s degree (BAC+5) or equivalent
Research Areas
The Ancient Manuscript Data Scientist Position at CNRS contributes to research across the following areas:
- Computer Vision
- Deep Learning for Ancient Manuscripts
- Scientific Imaging
- 3D Tomography Data Analysis
- Neural Network-Based Ink Detection
- Image Segmentation
- Virtual Manuscript Unfolding
- Digital Humanities
- Palimpsest Manuscript Research
- Machine Learning for Cultural Heritage
Eligibility / Qualifications
Candidates applying for the CNRS Ancient Manuscript Data Scientist Position should meet the following qualifications:
- Master’s degree (BAC+5) or equivalent in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Scientific Computing, Imaging, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong knowledge of computer vision, deep learning, and 3D scientific or medical imaging, including tomography data processing.
- Proficiency in Python and scientific computing libraries, including PyTorch or TensorFlow, NumPy, and scikit-image.
- Experience adapting and extending existing scientific software, with knowledge of semi-supervised learning, transfer learning, or synthetic data generation.
- Ability to develop reusable methodologies, document technical workflows, and support collaborative scientific research.
- Excellent written and spoken scientific English, with the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
- Knowledge of Vesuvius Challenge computer vision methods is desirable.
- Understanding of palimpsest manuscripts, manuscript conservation, and scientific imaging techniques is advantageous.
Key Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include:
- Adapt the Vesuvius Challenge open-source workflows for newly published tomography datasets of carbonised manuscript rolls.
- Process and recalibrate tomography data while training and improving ink detection models using available annotated data.
- Design a computer vision method for use across the wider PALAI corpus of palimpsest manuscripts.
- Test and improve ink detection methods for manuscripts with limited annotated data.
- Document software, workflows, and research methods for reuse by the project team.
- Support the scientific analysis and publication of project results within the ERC PALAI project.
Compensation and Benefits
The position includes a competitive salary package and employee benefits provided under CNRS employment conditions.
- Remuneration: €2,991.58–€4,756.76 per month, depending on experience.
- Annual Leave and RTT: 44 days of annual leave and reduced working time benefits.
- Remote Working: Remote working arrangements and related compensation are available according to CNRS policies.
- Transportation Support: 75% coverage of eligible transport costs and a sustainable mobility package of up to €300.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the official CNRS recruitment portal before the published deadline.
Applicants should prepare:
- Completed online application
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Relevant academic qualifications
- Supporting documents requested by CNRS
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Currently Open
- Application Deadline: 31 July 2026, 11:59 PM (France Time)
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: September 2026
Apply through the Apply Now button before 31 July 2026 to ensure your application is submitted before the deadline.
Related Academic Opportunities
Explore related opportunities in computer vision, digital humanities, manuscript studies, and academic research careers:
- Humanities Research Positions
- Digital Humanities Research Jobs
- Ancient Studies Research Roles
- Cultural Heritage Research Opportunities
- European Humanities Research Fellowships
Institutional Overview
The Léon Robin Centre for Research on Ancient Thought is a Paris-based joint research unit operated by CNRS and Sorbonne University. The centre conducts research in ancient philosophy, philology, intellectual history, and the study of classical texts through interdisciplinary approaches. As part of the ERC Consolidator Grant PALAI project, researchers develop multispectral imaging, synchrotron imaging, artificial intelligence, and computer vision methods for the non-invasive examination of damaged manuscripts. The project brings together expertise from ancient studies, digital humanities, scientific imaging, and manuscript research. Researchers collaborate with engineers, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral scholars, libraries, and cultural heritage institutions across Europe to advance manuscript imaging research.
Researchers interested in academic jobs in archaeology, humanities, digital humanities, and postdoctoral opportunities can explore more international vacancies on HigherJobz.
