The Faculty of Archaeology at the University of Warsaw is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD in Bronze Age Crete Archaeology under the NCN SONATA BIS-15 project, Networks of the Dead. The doctoral scholarship begins on 1 November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The research investigates seals from funerary contexts in Prepalatial and Protopalatial Crete, combining archaeological evidence with digital archaeology and Social Network Analysis to examine social interaction and collective identities during the Early and Middle Bronze Age.
The successful doctoral researcher will contribute to literature reviews, database development, digital data management, and the study of seal collections from the Corpus der Minoischen und Mykenischen Siegel (CMS) archives in Heidelberg. The project also includes recording archaeological data, identifying seal classes, reconstructing material culture networks, integrating multiple datasets, and disseminating findings through conference presentations, publications, and contributions to the project’s final monograph.
In addition to these activities, the position provides funded research visits to Germany, specialist training in digital archaeology, and opportunities to collaborate within an international archaeological research team. The project brings together expertise in Aegean archaeology, Bronze Age Crete, funerary archaeology, seal studies, and network analysis, creating an interdisciplinary environment for doctoral research.
The appointment includes a four-year doctoral scholarship awarded through the University of Warsaw’s Doctoral School. Applicants should hold an MA in Archaeology or a related discipline before the project begins, demonstrate strong academic achievement, and show interest in archaeological research, digital methods, and collaborative international scholarship.
Programme Overview
This doctoral scholarship forms part of an internationally funded archaeological research project investigating social interaction in Bronze Age Crete.
- Position: PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: University of Warsaw, Poland
- Department: Department of Aegean and Textile Archaeology, Faculty of Archaeology
- Research Group: Networks of the Dead (NCN SONATA BIS-15)
- Supervisor: Dr Sylviane Dederix
- Location: Warsaw, Poland
- Duration: 48 months
- Start Date: 1 November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
- Funding: Doctoral scholarship of 4,346–5,500.50 PLN gross per month under the NCN SONATA BIS-15 programme.
- Required Degree / Diploma: MA in Archaeology or a closely related discipline obtained before the project start
About the Research Project
The Networks of the Dead project investigates how communities in Early and Middle Bronze Age Crete (3100–1700 BC) interacted through shared mortuary traditions and material culture. The research combines evidence from burial practices, seal assemblages, pottery, petrographic data, and burial site locations to reconstruct archaeological networks across different communities. Using Social Network Analysis, the project compares multiple sources of archaeological evidence to explore how collective identities were negotiated and how patterns of interaction contributed to social change before and during the development of the First Minoan Palaces.
Research Focus
The fully funded PhD in Bronze Age Archaeology will focus on the following research areas:
- Bronze Age Crete, including the Prepalatial and Protopalatial periods
- Funerary archaeology and mortuary practices
- Seal studies and material culture analysis
- Digital archaeology and Social Network Analysis
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants should meet the eligibility requirements of the NCN SONATA BIS-15 programme and demonstrate the academic background and skills required for doctoral research.
Minimum Requirements
- MA in Archaeology or a closely related discipline, obtained before the project start date
- PhD student status by the start of employment, with enrolment in or willingness to enrol in the University of Warsaw Doctoral School
- Excellent academic record
- Fluency in written and spoken English
- Basic database skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an international research team
- Willingness to undertake funded research visits to Heidelberg, Germany
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience or demonstrated interest in Aegean archaeology, seal studies, or digital archaeology
- Basic reading knowledge of German
- Knowledge of additional languages, including Greek, Polish, Italian, French, or German, will be considered an advantage
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate for this fully funded PhD in Bronze Age Archaeology will contribute to several aspects of the research project, including:
- Conducting literature reviews and supporting project planning
- Developing the project database and data management plan
- Examining seal casts at the CMS archives in Heidelberg
- Recording and analysing archaeological seal data
- Reconstructing material culture and interaction networks
- Presenting research through conferences, publications, and the final project monograph
Funding and Benefits
The University of Warsaw offers the successful PhD candidate financial support and research resources for the full duration of the doctoral project, including:
- 48-month doctoral scholarship funded through the NCN SONATA BIS-15 programme
- 4,346 PLN gross per month before the mid-term evaluation
- 5,500.50 PLN gross per month after the successful mid-term evaluation
- Additional funding for research visits and conference participation
- Training in digital archaeology and Social Network Analysis
- An equipped office within the Faculty of Archaeology
- Opportunities to participate in international and interdisciplinary research networks
Application Process
Applications should be submitted by email to Dr Sylviane Dederix (sylviane.dederix@gmail.com) before the closing date. Candidates should ensure that all required documents are included with their application.
Required Documents
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two letters of recommendation
- Copy of MA degree or confirmation of the expected defence date
- Proof of PhD student status before employment
- Signed personal data processing declaration
Why This Opportunity Matters
This PhD offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of:
- Bronze Age Archaeology
- Aegean Archaeology
- Digital Archaeology
- Social Network Analysis
It provides advanced training, international collaboration, funded research visits, and opportunities to contribute to archaeological publications and conference presentations within an interdisciplinary research project.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Currently Open
- Application Deadline: 10 August 2026
- Interview Period: 17–21 August 2026 (online)
- Expected Start Date: 1 November 2026
Ready to begin your doctoral research in Bronze Age Crete? Click the Apply Now button to view the complete application details and submit your application before the deadline.
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Institutional Overview
The University of Warsaw is one of Poland’s leading public universities, supporting research across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences through international collaboration and competitive research funding. Its Faculty of Archaeology undertakes research spanning European, Mediterranean, and global archaeology while encouraging interdisciplinary approaches and digital research methods. The department combines archaeological fieldwork, laboratory research, and digital analysis to investigate past societies using both traditional and innovative techniques. Doctoral researchers benefit from experienced academic supervision, access to specialist collections, and participation in collaborative research projects that connect scholars from universities and research institutions across Europe.
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