CY Cergy Paris Université, France, is offering a Postdoctoral Researcher position in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning for Archaeology through the Horizon Europe projects ECHOES and StratiGraph. The role focuses on developing offline AI solutions, computational methods, and digital technologies for archaeological field research.
The postdoctoral researcher will join the ETIS Laboratory (UMR 8051), a joint research unit of CY Cergy Paris Université, ENSEA, and CNRS. The researcher will investigate computational approaches designed to operate in offline environments with limited resources.
Furthermore, the researcher will investigate methods to improve local AI model performance, transfer knowledge between archaeological sites, and create practical tools for heritage documentation. The project integrates machine learning, knowledge graphs, and digital archaeology workflows through the ECHOES and StratiGraph Horizon Europe initiatives.
The research will contribute to open-source solutions for archaeological field applications, including AI-supported documentation, 3D recording, and data processing. The successful candidate will publish research findings, contribute to project activities, and collaborate with international researchers in computer science and cultural heritage.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher – Local AI/Machine Learning in Offline Environments: Generalisation and Field Solutions for Archaeology
- Institution: CY Cergy Paris Université, France
- Department: ETIS Laboratory (UMR 8051)
- Research Discipline(s): Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Digital Heritage
- Location: Pontoise (Cergy-Pontoise area), France
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Contract Duration: 12 months, extendable
- Start Date: As soon as possible
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary/Funding: According to CY Cergy Paris Université salary scale, based on experience
- Required Qualification: PhD or equivalent in Computer Science or a closely related field
Research Project Background
This postdoctoral position is part of two connected Horizon Europe projects: ECHOES (European Cloud for Heritage OpEn Science) and StratiGraph (Knowledge Graphs for Stratigraphy), which develop digital solutions for cultural heritage research.
ECHOES focuses on building the European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage (ECCCH), a distributed platform that provides heritage researchers and professionals with access to digital tools, data resources, and computing services. The project uses knowledge graph technologies, including standards such as CIDOC-CRM, to support heritage data management and digital research environments.
StratiGraph develops open-source tools for archaeological and palaeontological documentation by combining artificial intelligence, knowledge graphs, and 3D field recording methods. The project follows an offline-first approach, enabling archaeologists to process excavation data locally using field hardware before synchronising information with cloud-based systems.
Through these initiatives, the researcher will contribute to developing AI-driven archaeological tools that support field documentation, data analysis, and knowledge exchange across European heritage research communities.
Research Areas
The postdoctoral research will focus on:
- Local and on-device machine learning for offline environments.
- AI model compression, quantisation, pruning, and knowledge distillation.
- Few-shot and self-supervised learning for archaeological datasets.
- Domain adaptation and generalisation across excavation sites.
- Federated learning and continual learning approaches.
- Knowledge graph-based learning for archaeological documentation.
- Multimodal learning using photographs, 3D models, and textual records.
- Open-source AI tools for archaeological field applications.
Eligibility / Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- A PhD in Computer Science or a related discipline before the position start date.
- Strong knowledge of at least one AI research area, including edge machine learning, transfer learning, domain generalisation, federated learning, continual learning, or multimodal learning.
- Experience with machine learning programming using Python and frameworks such as PyTorch.
- Research experience with AI model development and computational methods.
- A publication record in recognised international research venues.
- Knowledge of knowledge graphs and Semantic Web technologies, including RDF, SPARQL, or CIDOC-CRM, is desirable.
- Interest or previous experience in cultural heritage applications.
- Excellent written and spoken English skills.
French language skills are not required for this position.
Key Responsibilities
The selected researcher will:
- Conduct research on local AI and machine learning methods for archaeological applications.
- Develop AI models suitable for resource-limited field environments.
- Study methods for improving model transfer between archaeological sites.
- Create and evaluate open-source digital tools with archaeologists.
- Contribute to research publications and Horizon Europe project deliverables.
- Collaborate with international researchers across heritage and computer science fields.
Application Process
Applicants should submit their applications by email to Professor Dimitris Kotzinos using the subject line “ECHOES/StratiGraph Postdoc Application – [Your Name]”.
Required application documents include:
- Detailed curriculum vitae with publication list.
- Cover letter describing research experience and relevance to the position.
- Contact details of two or three academic references.
- PhD certificate or expected defence date.
- Up to three representative publications (optional).
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 23 July 2026
- Application Deadline: 30 August 2026, 23:59 (Europe/Paris)
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: As soon as possible
Eligible candidates should review the official application details and submit their documents before the closing date to be considered for this postdoctoral research opportunity in AI and digital archaeology.
For scholars seeking further research opportunities in France, explore Top Fully Funded Postdoctoral Fellowships and Research Positions in France for International Scholars featuring selected academic positions and funding opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the research focus of this postdoctoral position?
The position focuses on local AI, machine learning, and offline computational solutions for archaeological field research.
Which university is offering this postdoctoral position?
CY Cergy Paris Université in France is offering this Horizon Europe-funded postdoctoral researcher position.
What qualification is required for this role?
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent degree in Computer Science or a closely related field.
What is the application deadline for this position?
The application deadline is 30 August 2026 at 23:59 Europe/Paris time.
Institutional Overview
CY Cergy Paris Université is a public higher education and research institution located in France, near Paris. The university develops interdisciplinary research across science, technology, humanities, and social sciences through its academic departments and laboratories. It promotes international collaboration and supports innovative research projects addressing contemporary scientific challenges. The institution hosts the ETIS Laboratory, a joint research unit with ENSEA and CNRS, focusing on information systems, artificial intelligence, data management, and applied technologies. Through its research activities, CY Cergy Paris Université contributes to digital innovation, knowledge development, and collaborative projects in areas such as computer science, cultural heritage, and emerging technologies.
Explore more PhD, postdoctoral, and academic research opportunities in archaeology, digital heritage, artificial intelligence, and related disciplines through HigherJobz.
