The Southern School of Advanced Studies (Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM)), Italy, invites applications for five fully funded PhD positions in Archaeology and Cultures of the Ancient Mediterranean for the 2026/2027 academic year. The four-year doctoral programme supports original research in archaeology, historical research, conservation, and cultural heritage through an interdisciplinary academic framework and funded doctoral scholarships.
The programme develops advanced research skills by combining archaeological investigation with historical, literary, and heritage studies. Doctoral researchers examine archaeological heritage through material culture, cultural connectivity, conservation, and heritage management while producing an original dissertation based on independent scientific research. Teaching activities also combine theoretical preparation with practical experience across research institutes, museums, archaeological parks, and archaeological superintendencies.
Furthermore, the programme explores the mobility of people, ideas, technologies, and objects alongside cultural interaction across ancient Mediterranean societies. It also examines the preservation, destruction, rediscovery, presentation, and communication of archaeological heritage while encouraging interdisciplinary interpretation of cultural, social, economic, and religious evidence.
Throughout the doctoral programme, candidates prepare an original research project aligned with the School’s research themes while developing expertise through structured academic training and practical research activities. The submitted research proposal demonstrates scientific knowledge and methodology but does not determine the final doctoral dissertation topic selected after admission.
Programme Overview
- Position: PhD / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: Southern School of Advanced Studies (Scuola Superiore Meridionale), Italy
- Department: PhD in Archaeology and Cultures of the Ancient Mediterranean: Historical Research, Conservation, Cultural Heritage
- Faculty: Not specified
- Research Group: Not specified
- Supervisor: Prof. Carlo Rescigno (Programme Coordinator)
- Location: Naples, Italy
- Duration: 4 years
- Start Date: Academic Year 2026/2027
- Funding: €19,000 gross annual scholarship, 50% increase during approved research stays abroad (up to 12 months), plus additional research funding throughout the programme.
- Required Degree / Diploma: Degree meeting doctoral admission requirements
Research Focus
The doctoral programme supports interdisciplinary research across the following areas:
- Archaeology and Ancient Mediterranean Cultures
- Ancient History and Historical Research
- Cultural Heritage, Heritage Conservation, and Heritage Management
- Material Culture and Archaeological Heritage
- Cultural Mobility, Connectivity, and Cultural Interaction
- Museums, Archaeological Parks, and Heritage Communication
Eligibility / Qualifications
Applicants should satisfy the programme’s academic requirements and demonstrate their ability to undertake original doctoral research.
Minimum Requirements
- Meet the doctoral admission requirements.
- Submit a research proposal in English or Italian.
- Prepare a research proposal of no more than 2,500 words (15,000 characters, including bibliography).
- Follow the official research proposal template provided by the programme.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the current state of research in the chosen field.
- Present a clear and appropriate scientific methodology.
Preferred Qualifications
The programme particularly welcomes applicants who demonstrate:
- Research interests aligned with the doctoral programme’s research themes.
- An interdisciplinary approach to archaeology and the study of ancient Mediterranean cultures.
- Interest in historical research, cultural heritage, heritage conservation, and heritage management.
Key Responsibilities
Successful doctoral researchers will:
- Conduct original doctoral research.
- Prepare an independent doctoral dissertation.
- Participate in programme teaching and research activities.
- Develop interdisciplinary archaeological research.
- Engage with heritage conservation and management.
- Contribute to academic activities within the doctoral programme.
Funding and Benefits
The funded doctoral fellowship includes the following financial support:
- €19,000 annual gross scholarship
- 50% increase during research stays abroad
- Research budget (10% first year; 20% remaining years)
- Four-year funded programme
Application Process
Applicants must submit their application according to the official competition requirements and include a research proposal demonstrating academic preparation, research methodology, and alignment with the programme’s research directions.
Required documents include:
- Completed application form
- Research proposal
- Supporting academic documents required by the competition
- Additional documents specified in the official call
Programme Highlights
This PhD offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of:
- Archaeology
- Ancient Mediterranean Studies
- Cultural Heritage
- Heritage Conservation
It provides advanced training, interdisciplinary research experience, and practical engagement with museums, archaeological institutions, and heritage organisations while supporting original doctoral research.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 04/06/2026
- Application Deadline: 27/08/2026 – 14:00
- Interview Period: If applicable
- Expected Start Date: Academic Year 2026/2027
Only five funded doctoral fellowships are available. For full application details, eligibility requirements, and submission instructions, click the Apply Now button above.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Fully Funded PhD Positions
- Cultural Heritage Research Jobs
- Ancient History Research Opportunities
- Mediterranean Archaeology Jobs
- Academic Jobs in Italy
Institutional Overview
The Southern School of Advanced Studies (Scuola Superiore Meridionale) is an Italian higher education institution offering doctoral education across humanities and scientific disciplines. The School promotes interdisciplinary research through structured doctoral programmes that combine advanced academic study with practical research experience. Doctoral candidates collaborate with research institutes, museums, archaeological parks, and heritage organisations while developing original research within international academic environments. Its programmes encourage independent scholarship, methodological rigour, and engagement with significant research questions across archaeology, history, conservation, and cultural heritage. The School supports research that strengthens understanding of the ancient Mediterranean through innovative academic investigation.
Browse similar fully funded PhD positions, archaeology scholarships, doctoral research programmes, and academic vacancies worldwide on HigherJobz.com to discover new opportunities matching your research interests.
