A research position has been announced in June 2026 at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy, focusing on isotope analysis applied to archaeological faunal, vegetal and human remains from palaeoenvironmental contexts. The position focuses on mobility reconstruction, dietary patterns and palaeoclimatic variability through integrated isotopic and geochemical approaches. It is framed within a competitive public selection procedure, with applications closing in late June 2026 under institutional recruitment regulations.
The role is focused on isotope analysis in archaeology, with emphasis on reconstructing movement patterns of humans and animals across ancient landscapes. It also examines palaeodietary signatures preserved in skeletal and botanical materials recovered from archaeological contexts. In addition, the analytical dimension involves palaeoclimate interpretation through geochemical proxies integrated with archaeological datasets. The research additionally explores less conventional isotopic systems to extend methodological resolution beyond standard archaeological applications.
Alongside this, work responsibilities include laboratory preparation of samples, isotopic analyses, and statistical evaluation of multi-proxy datasets.. The researcher will integrate archaeozoological and bioanthropological evidence with environmental reference collections for comparative analysis. Outputs are expected to contribute to broader archaeological interpretation frameworks linking geochemistry with environmental and cultural reconstruction. The project ultimately supports long-term investigations into human–environment interactions, climatic variability and ecological adaptation in prehistory.
The position is hosted at a publicly funded Italian university research environment and is not linked to a dedicated EU research framework programme. It aligns with ongoing developments in isotope geochemistry, particularly in archaeological science applications involving mobility and dietary reconstruction. The work is based in Modena, Italy, within a multidisciplinary academic setting that connects biological sciences, archaeology and environmental research.
Position Details
- Position: Researcher – Isotope Analyses in Archaeological and Palaeoenvironmental Contexts
- Institution: University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Unimore), Italy
- Department: Biological Sciences / Archaeological Science Unit
- Research Disciplines: Biological sciences, Archaeology, Geochemistry, Bioarchaeology
- Location: Modena, Italy
- Job Type: Researcher (R1–R4 levels eligible)
- Contract Duration: To be defined under public procedure
- Start Date: 2026 (to be confirmed)
- Working Hours: Not specified in call
- Salary/Funding: €39,836 annual budget allocation
- Required Qualification: Degree in biological sciences or related disciplines
Research Area:
This position involves the following research areas:
- Isotope analysis of archaeological remains
- Human and animal mobility studies
- Palaeodiet reconstruction
- Palaeoclimate and environmental reconstruction
- Archaeological geochemistry applications
Eligibility/Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- Academic background in biological sciences, archaeology or related geochemical disciplines
- Experience in isotope analysis or laboratory-based analytical techniques
- Knowledge of archaeological and palaeoenvironmental datasets
- Ability to integrate multi-disciplinary scientific data
- Competence in statistical or geochemical data interpretation
- Familiarity with archaeozoological or bioanthropological materials
Key Responsibilities
The position involves the following key responsibilities:
- Selection and preparation of archaeological and palaeoenvironmental samples
- Execution of isotope analysis on faunal, vegetal and human remains
- Processing and statistical interpretation of isotopic datasets
- Integration of archaeozoological and bioanthropological evidence
- Comparative analysis with environmental reference datasets
- Contribution to palaeoclimate and mobility reconstruction models
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the official institutional platform following a public selection procedure based on qualifications and interview evaluation. Candidates are required to provide supporting academic and research documentation aligned with eligibility criteria.
Required documents include:
- Academic CV
- Research statement or methodological experience summary
- Proof of qualifications and academic transcripts
- Publication list (if applicable)
- Identification documents
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 9 June 2026
- Application Deadline: 23 June 2026 (13:00 UTC)
- Interview Period: Following qualification assessment
- Expected Start Date: 2026 (to be confirmed)
Applications close shortly, and eligibility is assessed through competitive academic evaluation under a public selection framework.
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Institutional Overview
The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Unimore) is a public research university in Italy known for its strong academic output in biological sciences, archaeology and geochemical applications. It provides a collaborative research environment where laboratory-based methods are integrated with archaeological and environmental interpretation. The university actively supports interdisciplinary studies focused on isotope analysis, palaeoenvironmental reconstruction and human–environment interactions. Through participation in European research networks and international collaborations, Unimore contributes to advancing scientific understanding of past climates, mobility patterns and dietary practices. Its research infrastructure and academic expertise make it a recognised centre for innovative studies in archaeological science and related disciplines across Europe.
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