The CNRS research unit Archéorient – Environments and Societies of the Ancient East in Lyon, France, is hiring an Archaeozoologist for a five-month research position. The role focuses on analysing and scientifically managing faunal material from the Neolithic site of Al-Mathana in the Khaybar region of Saudi Arabia.
The position is part of the DREH project, which investigates early Holocene developments in north-western Arabia. The successful candidate will lead archaeozoological analysis, coordinate documentation and contribute to the interpretation, reporting and publication of project results.
The role requires a PhD in archaeozoology, prehistory, archaeology or a related discipline, together with solid experience in Neolithic contexts and the Arabian Peninsula. Experience with GIS, databases and digital documentation is also required.
Based in Lyon, the position involves regular and sometimes extended missions to Khaybar, Saudi Arabia, alongside periods of post-excavation work on collections held in AlUla. The contract begins on 1 November 2026 and offers a gross monthly salary from €3,071, depending on experience.
Position Details
- Position: Archaeozoologist (M/F)
- Reference number: UMR5133-REMCRA-013
- Institution: CNRS, France
- Research Unit: Archéorient, UMR 5133 – Environments and Societies of the Ancient East
- Research Discipline(s): Archaeozoology, Prehistory, Archaeology, Neolithic Studies
- Location: Lyon 07, France
- Job Type: Researcher
- Contract Duration: 5 months
- Start Date: 1 November 2026
- Working Hours: Not specified in the official listing
- Salary/Funding: From €3,071 gross per month
- Required Qualification: PhD in archaeozoology, prehistory, archaeology or a related discipline
Research Areas
The position covers several connected research areas:
- Archaeozoology
- Neolithic archaeology
- Prehistory
- Arabian Peninsula archaeology
- Early Holocene archaeology
- Faunal analysis
- Archaeological GIS and digital documentation
- Spatial and stratigraphic analysis
- Archaeological fieldwork
Eligibility/ Qualifications
Applicants should have academic and professional experience relevant to archaeozoological research in Neolithic and Arabian Peninsula contexts. The required qualifications for this position are as follows:
- PhD in archaeozoology, prehistory, archaeology or a related discipline, with solid experience in Neolithic contexts and the Arabian Peninsula.
- Experience with GIS, particularly QGIS, databases, digital documentation workflows and office automation tools.
- Excellent scientific writing and reporting skills, with fluent French and professional English in both written and spoken communication.
- A rigorous, autonomous and responsible approach to research and fieldwork, including the ability to make decisions in the field.
- Ability to work effectively in a demanding international research environment and undertake extended archaeological missions in Saudi Arabia.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a gross monthly salary starting from €3,071, depending on the candidate’s experience.
The official listing also states the following benefits:
- 44 days of annual leave and RTT.
- 75% coverage of transport costs.
- Sustainable mobility allowance of up to €300.
Key Responsibilities
The key responsibilities of the CNRS Archaeozoologist position include:
- Lead archaeozoological analysis of faunal material recovered from the Al-Mathana Neolithic site and develop analysis strategies for excavation extensions and future sectors.
- Coordinate archaeological and specialist teams, working with the DREH project manager, Saudi PI associate, furniture specialists, bioarchaeologists, geoarchaeologists and project partners.
- Manage archaeological data and documentation, including the integration of data, metadata and stratigraphic relationships into GIS and relational databases.
- Support fieldwork and collection management, including excavation recording, inventory validation, packaging, sampling and transfer of archaeological material to RCU storage facilities in AlUla.
- Contribute to post-excavation research, including spatial and stratigraphic analysis, synthesis of results and preparation of technical reports for AFALULA and the RCU.
- Contribute to academic dissemination, including scientific publications, conference papers, mediation materials and other outputs presenting the project’s results.
Application Process
Candidates should apply through the official CNRS Job Portal using the application procedure provided for reference UMR5133-REMCRA-013.
The official vacancy does not provide a separate list of required application documents. Candidates should consult the CNRS application page for the current submission requirements.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 23 September 2026, 11:59 PM
- Expected Start Date: 1 November 2026
Related Academic Opportunities
- Archaeology Research Positions
- French Academic Research Jobs
- Bioarchaeology Research Opportunities
- Academic Research Opportunities in Europe
- Prehistoric Archaeology Research Positions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the position?
The position is for an Archaeozoologist working as a fixed-term researcher on the DREH project.
Where is the position based?
The position is based in Lyon 07, France, with regular and sometimes extended missions to Khaybar and periods of work in AlUla, Saudi Arabia.
What qualification is required?
Applicants need a PhD in archaeozoology, prehistory, archaeology or a related discipline.
What research project does the position support?
The role supports the DREH project, Dynamics of the Regional Early Holocene in Khaybar, which investigates early Holocene archaeology in north-western Arabia.
Is experience in the Arabian Peninsula required?
Yes. The official listing asks for solid experience in a Neolithic context and experience related to the Arabian Peninsula.
What is the salary for the position?
The salary starts at €3,071 gross per month and varies according to experience.
Institutional Overview
The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) is France’s public research organisation, working across the humanities and social sciences, sciences and engineering. The Archaeozoologist position is attached to Archéorient – Environments and Societies of the Ancient East, a joint research unit of CNRS and Université Lumière Lyon 2, based at the Maison de l’Orient et de la Méditerranée in Lyon. Archéorient conducts interdisciplinary research on ancient societies and their environments, covering regions from the Mediterranean to Central Asia and periods from the Late Palaeolithic to the Islamic periods. Its research examines biological and environmental markers, spatial organisation, cultural markers and funerary practices, alongside archaeological fieldwork and methodological research.
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