Austrian Academy of Sciences Austria academic research and postdoctoral opportunities

Postdoc in Egyptology and Archaeological Field Research – Austrian Academy of Sciences, Austria | Paid

The Austrian Archaeological Institute (OeAI) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) is offering a full-time postdoc position in Egyptian archaeology, based in Cairo, Egypt, with a 40-hour working week. The appointment comprises recurring short-term assignments from October 2026 to December 2031 and supports field research through the institute’s Cairo branch.

The research focuses on fieldwork in Egypt, particularly at Tell el-Dab’a and Kom Ombo, within Egyptology and Egyptian archaeology. The Cairo branch conducts research in Egypt and surrounding countries, with particular emphasis on material culture and cultural-historical studies. The position combines field investigation with documentation and finds processing.

The role involves supervising excavation areas, documenting features and stratigraphic relationships, processing finds, and coordinating daily excavation and recording activities within the assigned area. The position requires strong expertise in field methods and the analysis and processing of archaeological material.

Within this research context, the position contributes to the OeAI’s research activities in Egypt and supports systematic investigation of sites, contexts and material remains. It is intended for a researcher holding a PhD or equivalent in Egyptology, specialising in Egyptian archaeology, with relevant fieldwork experience and the ability to work effectively within an international research environment.

Position Details

Research Areas

The postdoctoral position covers the following research areas:

  • Egyptology
  • Egyptian archaeology
  • Archaeological field research
  • Material culture
  • Cultural-historical studies
  • Archaeological excavation
  • Archaeological finds processing
  • Stratigraphy and archaeological documentation

Eligibility and Qualifications

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

  • PhD or equivalent in Egyptology, specialising in Egyptian archaeology.
  • Excellent expertise in field methods and finds processing.
  • German and English language skills, plus basic Arabic.
  • Flexibility, commitment and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Openness to scientific exchange and collaboration.
  • Willingness to spend extended periods conducting fieldwork in Egypt.

Salary and Benefits

The minimum annual gross salary is €70,167.44 for full-time employment, in accordance with the collective agreement of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. Salary for part-time employment is adjusted proportionally to the agreed working hours.

The position also includes:

  • Voluntary social benefits.
  • Flexible working-time arrangements.
  • An internationally active research environment.
  • Opportunities for independent work and personal development.

Key Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the Postdoc include:

  • Supervising excavation areas at Tell el-Dab’a.
  • Supervising excavation areas at Kom Ombo.
  • Documenting and recording archaeological features and contexts.
  • Recording stratigraphic relationships during archaeological fieldwork.
  • Documenting, recording and initially processing archaeological finds.
  • Coordinating daily excavation and documentation activities within the assigned excavation area.

Application Process

Eligible candidates should apply through the Austrian Academy of Sciences’ online recruitment system linked from the EURAXESS vacancy. The official listing provides an online Apply Now facility for submitting applications.

Candidates should follow the application instructions provided through the official online recruitment system.

Important Dates

  • Application Deadline: 25 September 2026, 23:55 (Europe/Brussels)
  • Expected Start Date: October 2026
  • Assignment Period: 1 October 2026 – 31 December 2031

Check your eligibility and view the official vacancy details below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the position title?
The position is a Postdoc (f/m/x) at the Austrian Archaeological Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences.

Where is the Postdoc position based?
The position is based in Cairo, Egypt, through the Cairo branch of the Austrian Archaeological Institute.

What qualification is required?
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent in Egyptology with a specialisation in Egyptian archaeology.

What archaeological sites are covered by the role?
The postdoctoral researcher will supervise excavation areas at Tell el-Dab’a and Kom Ombo.

What is the salary for the position?
The minimum annual gross salary is €70,167.44 based on full-time employment.

What languages are required?
The position requires German and English language skills, together with basic Arabic.

Institutional Overview

The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) is Austria’s largest non-university institution for basic research. Its Austrian Archaeological Institute (OeAI) is Austria’s largest research institution in archaeology and ancient studies. The OeAI’s Cairo branch is Austria’s only permanent research institution dedicated to archaeological field research in Egypt. Its activities include archaeological research projects in Egypt and surrounding countries, with particular emphasis on basic archaeological research, material culture and cultural-historical studies. The institute’s work connects archaeological field research, documentation and the study of material remains within broader research on Egypt and the ancient world.

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