A Postdoctoral Researcher position in Aegean Bronze Age archaeology is available at KU Leuven, Belgium, within the FWO ODYSSEUS Type I-funded ODYSSEIA project. This full-time role focuses on health-and-wellbeing materials and connective technologies in the 2nd millennium BCE Aegean, exploring how organic substances shaped ancient societies.
The role investigates organic materials such as oils, resins, herbs, adhesives, ropes, waxes, and biological composites. It integrates archaeological science, ethnography, and experimental archaeology. It also includes iconography and 3D modelling. Consequently, the research reconstructs production workflows, labour systems, and socio-economic structures in Bronze Age societies across the Eastern Mediterranean.
The position is linked to the Archaeology Research Unit and the ODYSSEIA programme. In addition, the researcher will collaborate with international teams working on Aegean and Egyptian comparative datasets. Therefore, participation in workshops, data-sharing meetings, and interdisciplinary laboratory work is essential for successful project delivery.
Applicants must hold a PhD in archaeology or bioarchaeology with strong expertise in Aegean Bronze Age material culture. The contract is full-time (38 hours per week), initially for one year with extension up to three years. This role provides competitive funding, international collaboration, and advanced research infrastructure in Leuven.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher (ODYSSEIA Project)
- Institution: KU Leuven, Belgium
- Department: Archaeology Research Unit
- Research Field: Aegean Bronze Age Archaeology / Bioarchaeology
- Location: Leuven, Belgium
- Job Type: Full-time / Postdoctoral (Fixed-term)
- Number of Positions: 1
- Start Date: September–December 2026
- Working Hours: 38 hours per week
- Salary / Funding: FWO ODYSSEUS Type I funded research salary (Barema 44 scale)
- Required Degree / Diploma: PhD in Archaeology or Bioarchaeology
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Research Area
- Aegean Bronze Age archaeology
- Organic materials and bioarchaeology
- Health-and-wellbeing technologies in antiquity
- Connective technologies (ropes, adhesives, resins)
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements
- PhD in Archaeology, Bioarchaeology, or related discipline
- Strong research background in Bronze Age Aegean studies
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Experience in academic writing and publication
Preferred Qualifications
- Expertise in archaeobotany, ethnoarchaeology, or experimental archaeology
- Experience with databases, Excel, and statistical software
- Familiarity with organic material analysis and archaeological science methods
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Knowledge of modern Greek or willingness to learn
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Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent and collaborative archaeological research
- Analyse organic materials and connective technologies
- Develop and maintain OA research databases
- Co-author of peer-reviewed journal publications
- Present research at international conferences
- Participate in ODYSSEIA workshops and team meetings
- Contribute to experimental archaeology and residue studies
- Support limited teaching and academic duties
Application Process
Applicants must submit their application through the official University recruitment portal.
Required Documents
- CV (academic)
- Cover letter
- PhD certificate
- Publication list
- Research statement (if required)
- References/contact details
- Academic writing samples (if requested)
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Important Dates
- Applications Open: 2026
- Application Deadline: 12 June 2026 (CET)
- Interview Period: Mid–2026
- Expected Start Date: September–December 2026
Institutional & Job Information
- University/Institution: KU Leuven
- Research Group / Lab: ODYSSEIA Project (Archaeology Research Unit)
- Job ID: BAP-2026-264
- Official Notification: Postdoctoral Researcher in Aegean Organic Materials & Connectivity
Apply early to increase selection chances due to high international competition for this funded European postdoctoral position.
KU Leuven is one of Europe’s leading research universities with strong archaeology, humanities, and interdisciplinary science programmes. It offers world-class infrastructure and collaborative international research environments. This postdoctoral role provides high-impact exposure to Bronze Age archaeology, organic materials research, and experimental scientific methods. It is ideal for advancing an academic career in archaeology and heritage science.
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