A PhD position is available at the CNRS within the HiSoMA research unit in Lyon, France, with a start date in September 2026. The project forms part of the ANR–DFG KIT-2 programme and focuses on Classical-period Cypriot sanctuaries, addressing votive practices, material culture, and spatial organisation. The researcher will work with museum collections across Europe while contributing to wider collaborative research in Mediterranean archaeology within an international academic setting.
The study explores Cypriot sanctuary archaeology during the Classical period, a field still limited in current scholarship. It examines votive assemblages such as limestone sculpture, terracotta figurines, and statue bases within their archaeological contexts. Particular attention is given to deposition patterns and spatial arrangements, combining typological analysis with contextual interpretation relevant to Classical archaeology research and Mediterranean religious practices.
The doctoral researcher will join an active collaborative environment and contribute to the KIT-2 programme while engaging with both published and unpublished archaeological materials. Museum-based research forms a core component of the project, with access to collections in Cyprus, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, including major institutions and excavation archives. Alongside this, the framework supports comparative analysis of Cypriot Iron Age and Classical sanctuary systems while strengthening methodological expertise in archaeology and material culture studies.
The project further supports academic publication and participation in international scholarly exchange. It provides training in advanced methodological approaches in Mediterranean archaeology, with particular focus on votive systems and sanctuary organisation. In addition, the research contributes to ongoing scholarly debates on Cypriot sanctuary studies and enhances understanding of ritual behaviour and material deposition in ancient religious landscapes.
Programme Overview
- Position: PhD / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: CNRS
- Department: HiSoMA – Histoire et sources des mondes antiques
- Research Group: ANR–DFG KIT-2 Programme
- Supervisor: Not specified in source
- Location: Lyon, France
- Duration: 3 years
- Start Date: September 2026
- Funding: Not specified in source
- Required Degree / Diploma: Master’s degree or equivalent
- Research Area: Archaeology, History of Science, Classical Archaeology, Cypriot Sanctuaries, Material Culture Studies
Eligibility / Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Master’s degree or equivalent in archaeology or history
- Basic knowledge of the French language
- No prior research experience required
Preferred Qualifications
- Interest in Mediterranean or Cypriot archaeology
- Familiarity with material culture analysis
- Experience with archaeological datasets or museum collections
- Ability to conduct structured academic research
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct doctoral research on votive practices in Cypriot sanctuaries
- Analyse limestone sculpture, terracotta figurines, and statue bases
- Develop typo-chronological frameworks for votive material
- Study spatial organisation of sanctuary deposits
- Work with museum collections across multiple European countries
- Participate in the ANR–DFG KIT-2 research programme
Application Process
Applicants must submit their materials through the official CNRS recruitment portal. The selection process evaluates academic background, research potential, and alignment with Classical archaeology PhD research objectives.
Required Documents
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Master’s thesis or research sample
- Motivation letter
- References or recommendation letters (if required)
Why This Opportunity Matters
This PhD offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of:
- Classical archaeology
- Cypriot sanctuary studies
- Material culture analysis
- Mediterranean archaeological research
It provides advanced training, international collaboration, and exposure to high-impact scientific research and publications within European archaeology PhD networks.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 2 June 2026
- Application Deadline: 22 June 2026 (23:59 UTC)
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: September 2026
Application available via the CNRS official portal. Early submission is recommended due to the limited timeframe and competitive selection process.
Related Global Academic Opportunities
- Archaeology Jobs and Academic Positions
- Academic Jobs in France
- CNRS France Research Jobs
- PhD Scholarships in the UK
- Academic Positions at Leading European Universities
Institutional Overview
The CNRS is France’s leading public research institution and a major force in European academia, covering archaeology, humanities, and scientific disciplines. It brings together research units that work in collaboration with universities, museums, and international partners on topics such as Mediterranean archaeology, Classical studies, and material culture. CNRS also plays a central role in doctoral education, offering structured PhD training that integrates field research, archival work, and laboratory analysis, while providing access to extensive archaeological collections and interdisciplinary academic networks across France and Europe.
Discover similar archaeology PhD positions, fully funded doctoral scholarships, and international research roles across Europe and the UK on HigherJobz.com, including updates in Mediterranean archaeology, Classical studies, and museum-based research careers.
