About the Position
CNRS – National Center for Scientific Research (France) is recruiting a full-time Researcher (R1) specialising in ceramology within archaeology, focusing on North-West Arabia during the Bronze and Iron Ages. The position begins on 1 February 2026 and is based in Lyon, France, at the Archéologie et Archéométrie laboratory (UMR 5138), part of the Maison de l’Orient et de la Méditerranée.
The researcher will work under the supervision of the director of the CMCA Northwest Arabia project (Ceramic Material Culture of Ancient AlUla and Northwest Arabia). The role involves the study of ceramic assemblages from excavations and surveys in AlUla and Khaybar (Saudi Arabia), spanning from the 4th millennium to the end of the 1st millennium BCE. The project integrates typo-chronological, technological, archaeometric, and experimental methodologies, contributing to a comprehensive ceramic database and advancing regional-scale interpretations of production and circulation systems.
Position Details
- Position: Researcher (R1)
- Institution: CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research
- Department: Archéologie et Archéométrie (UMR 5138)
- Research Field: Archaeology / Ancient History
- Location: Lyon, France
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Temporary Contract
- Start Date (Anticipated): February 2026
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Contract Duration: Renewable, up to a maximum of 28 months
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Ceramology of North-West Arabia
- Bronze Age and Iron Age archaeology
- Ancient Near Eastern material culture
- Archaeometric analysis of ceramics
- Regional production and circulation systems
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Archaeology, with specialisation in ceramology and archaeometry
- Research experience in ancient Near Eastern and/or Mediterranean archaeology
- Strong skills in ceramic analysis and archaeometric methods (petrography, geochemistry)
- Excellent written and spoken English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with experimental archaeology and chaîne opératoire approaches
- Fieldwork experience in the MENA region or Mediterranean world
- Ability to supervise and train students in an international research environment
- Proven scientific writing skills for reports and peer-reviewed publications
- Strong organisational skills, autonomy, and collaborative capacity
Key Responsibilities
- Record and document ceramic assemblages from excavations and surveys
- Conduct typo-chronological and technological analyses of ceramics
- Perform archaeometric studies (chemical, petrographic, mineralogical)
- Contribute to experimental ceramic research with specialists
- Develop and maintain an interactive ceramic database
- Participate in field surveys to identify clay sources
- Prepare bi-weekly, annual, and end-of-season scientific reports
- Publish research findings and present at conferences and seminars
- Train and supervise French, Saudi, and international students
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the CNRS recruitment portal.
Required Documents:
- Online application form
- Academic CV
- Supporting documents as requested by CNRS
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 1 January 2026
- Deadline: 21 January 2026 (23:59 UTC)
- Start Date: 1 February 2026
Useful Links
- Institution Website: CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research, France
- Official Notification Link: click here
- Apply Now: click here
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