École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE – PSL University), France, is recruiting one fully funded PhD candidate in Ancient Greek Religion and Environmental Humanities for September 2026 under the ERC Starting Grant project POLYBOTA. The doctoral position focuses on botanical elements in ancient Greek divine names and religious language. The researcher will examine how plant-based vocabulary shaped theonyms and epithets in Greek polytheistic traditions. The role combines independent doctoral research with structured contribution to an ERC-funded digital humanities project based in Paris.
The position requires analytical engagement with ancient Greek religious and linguistic material through historical and anthropological frameworks. The doctoral researcher will investigate how botanical references functioned in divine naming practices and cultic expressions. In parallel with thesis development, the candidate will assist in building a structured database of ancient literary and epigraphic sources. The role integrates philological analysis with digital corpus development in collaboration with an international research team.
The PhD is hosted by EPHE – PSL and linked to the ANHIMA research centre in Paris. The candidate will work under joint supervision from senior scholars in ancient Greek religion and participate in collective research activities, seminars, and academic dissemination. The position offers integration into an ERC project environment combining classical studies with environmental humanities and digital methodologies.
Programme Overview
- Position: PhD / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE – PSL), France
- Department: Religious Studies
- Research Group: ANHIMA (Anthropologie et Histoire des Mondes Antiques)
- Supervisor: Prof. Vinciane Pirenne-Delforge & Dr Alessandro Buccheri
- Location: Paris / Aubervilliers, France
- Duration: 3 years (full-time doctoral contract)
- Start Date: September 2026
- Funding: ERC Starting Grant (Horizon Europe – POLYBOTA project)
- Required Degree: Master’s degree in Classics, Ancient History, Ancient Religion, or related discipline
Research Area
- Ancient Greek Religion and Polytheism
- History of Religions
- Classical Philology and Epigraphy
- Anthropology of Ancient Societies
- Environmental and Botanical Dimensions of Antiquity
Eligibility / Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Classics, Ancient History, or related field
- Advanced knowledge of Ancient Greek language
- Research experience in Greek religion or related textual studies
- Proficiency in English and French
- Academic background suitable for doctoral-level research
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s thesis on ancient Greek religion or polytheism
- Experience in anthropological or interdisciplinary approaches
- Familiarity with epigraphy or ancient literature
- Interest in environmental or botanical dimensions of antiquity
- Exposure to digital humanities or textual databases
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct doctoral research on botanical naming in ancient Greek religion
- Develop and complete a PhD thesis within the POLYBOTA framework
- Contribute to creation and maintenance of a digital research database
- Encode and analyse literary and epigraphic source material
- Participate in seminars, workshops, and project meetings
- Present research in conferences and academic publications
Application Process
Applicants must submit a complete academic application to the project email provided by EPHE – PSL. Selection proceeds in two stages, starting with document evaluation followed by an online interview for shortlisted candidates.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum vitae (2–3 pages)
- Cover letter (1 page)
- PhD research proposal (2 pages plus bibliography)
- Master’s degree certificate (or equivalent)
- Master’s thesis (PDF format)
- Contact details of two academic referees
Why This Opportunity Matters
This PhD sits at the intersection of:
- Ancient Greek religion and mythology
- Botanical and environmental history of antiquity
- Anthropology of ancient societies
- Digital humanities and textual corpus research
It provides structured doctoral training within an ERC-funded international project, combining classical scholarship with environmental and computational approaches to ancient texts.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 20 May 2026
- Application Deadline: 22 June 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Interview Period: 9 July 2026 (provisional)
- Expected Start Date: September 2026
Candidates are advised to apply well before the deadline due to the competitive nature of ERC-funded doctoral recruitment.
Explore More Academic Opportunities
- Humanities research jobs worldwide (global listings)
- Ancient Studies research jobs for international scholars
- University jobs in France
- Academic jobs across Europe
- Fully funded PhD positions worldwide
Institutional Overview
The École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE – PSL University) is a major French research institution specialising in advanced studies in humanities and social sciences. As part of PSL University in Paris, it operates within a high-level interdisciplinary academic ecosystem with strong international collaboration. Its partnership with ANHIMA reinforces its leadership in ancient Mediterranean studies, combining classical scholarship with anthropology and digital humanities research frameworks.
Follow HigherJobz.com for the latest academic jobs, research opportunities, scholarships, university careers, faculty positions, PhD openings, and higher education updates on X, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
