Call for Foreign Scientific Members at the Institute of Oriental Archaeology (IFAO),Cairo, Egypt

Call for Foreign Scientific Members at the French Institute of Oriental Archaeology (IFAO), Cairo, Egypt

About the Fellowship

The French Institute of Oriental Archaeology (IFAO) in Cairo invites applications for two Foreign Scientific Member positions for the academic year 2025–2026. These fellowships offer outstanding scholars the chance to conduct independent research in Egypt while contributing to the IFAO’s interdisciplinary projects in history, archaeology, and philology. This is a prestigious opportunity to collaborate with international researchers and be part of a vibrant academic community at one of the leading institutions in Oriental studies, aligned with France’s broader academic and diplomatic engagement in the region.

Fellowship Details

Position: Foreign Scientific Member Fellowship
Institution: French Institute of Oriental Archaeology (IFAO)
Administering Body: French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Research Field: Anthropology and Archaeology
Type: Full-time, Fellowship
Duration: 1 year (renewable once)
Start Date (Anticipated): October 2025
Working Hours: As per institutional norms
Funding/Compensation: Living expenses must be covered by the fellow’s home government or an external funding institution. IFAO does not provide direct financial support.

Research Areas

Archaeology
Anthropology and Ethnology
History (Ancient to Modern)
Art History
Linguistics
Classical Studies
Literature
Philosophy
Theology and Religion

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Must be a PhD student OR
Hold a PhD or equivalent degree OR
Be a senior lecturer, associate professor, or equivalent academic position
Alternatively, provide proof of university or scientific titles recognized as equivalent by the selection committee
Must have secured external funding for living expenses during the fellowship period

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong publication record
International research experience
Proven engagement with interdisciplinary research
Alignment of proposed research with IFAO’s scientific priorities

Fellowship Benefits

Institutional affiliation at a premier French research institute in Cairo
Access to IFAO’s academic resources, archives, and libraries
Opportunity to present work and engage in collaborative seminars
Supportive research environment for publishing and networking

(Note: No financial compensation, housing, or health insurance is offered by IFAO. All such support must come from external sources.)

Key Responsibilities

Conduct and complete the proposed individual research project
Participate in IFAO’s training, research programs, and documentation initiatives
Collaborate with IFAO’s scientific community
Contribute to the visibility and scientific output of the Institute

Application Process

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted online in PDF format via the IFAO website.

Application Portal:➡ https://www.ifao.egnet.net/
(Navigate to: Annonces / Postes et emplois)

Required Documents:

Completed Application Form (Scientific Member Form 2025)
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae (including education, degrees, list of publications)
Two Recommendation Letters
Research Project Proposal (max. 20,000 characters, excluding bibliography)
Copy of Diplomas
Identity Document
Thesis report (if applicable)
Certificate of university enrollment and thesis advisor’s letter (for PhD candidates only)
Official letter confirming financial coverage for 2025–2026