About the Program
The University of Oslo invites applications for a fully funded PhD in Archaeological and Palaeoenvironmental Geochemistry titled “Ecological Archaeologies of the Afrotropics (EcoArch)” at the Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History (IAKH). This doctoral position focuses on understanding human-driven landscape and climate change in the Afrotropics over the last 6000 years, addressing key processes related to agriculture, pastoralism, fire use, and ecological transformation within archaeology and palaeoenvironmental science. The project will be supervised by Professor David K. Wright and is part of the ERC Synergy Grant EcoArch research programme. The research duration is 3 years and is based in Oslo, Norway, with extensive fieldwork in Africa and Arabia. The project offers interdisciplinary training, advanced biomarker and isotope laboratory analysis, international collaboration, and strong professional academic development within a leading European research environment.
Program Details
- Position: Fully Funded PhD Position / Doctoral Research Fellow
- Institution: University of Oslo
- Department/Faculty: Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History (IAKH), Faculty of Humanities
- Supervisor: Professor David K. Wright
- Location: Oslo, Norway
- Start Date (Anticipated): To be confirmed
- Duration: 3 years
- Funding: Fully funded doctoral fellowship (salary-based position under Norwegian state regulations)
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree or equivalent (minimum five-year higher education), including a master’s thesis of at least 30 ECTS
Research Focus / Area
- Archaeological geochemistry
- Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction
- Organic biomarkers (faecal, fire, vegetation)
- Stable isotope analysis
- Human–environment interactions
- Afrotropical landscapes since the advent of agriculture
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in archaeology, geoarchaeology, geography, geology, geochemistry, chemistry, biology, or a related discipline
- Fluent in written and spoken English
- Demonstrated knowledge of biomarker geochemistry (laboratory or theoretical)
- Ability to conduct fieldwork in remote and challenging environments
Preferred Qualifications:
- Laboratory experience using GC-MS and/or LC-MS
- Experience with organic molecule or isotope analysis
- Familiarity with African and/or Arabian prehistory
- International fieldwork or research experience
- Strong academic record and motivation to publish in peer-reviewed journals
Key Features of the Program
- Participation in a prestigious ERC Synergy Grant project
- Access to state-of-the-art archaeometry laboratories
- Funded fieldwork, travel, and conference participation
- Highly international and interdisciplinary research environment
- Career mentoring by multiple principal investigators and global partners
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted online via the University of Oslo recruitment system (Jobbnorge).
Required Documents:
- Application letter outlining motivation and qualifications
- Academic CV
- Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas and transcripts
- Official explanation of the grading system (for non-Norwegian degrees)
- PhD research proposal (3–5 pages) with progress plan
- Documentation of English language proficiency (if applicable)
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Currently open
- Deadline: 1 March 2026
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited
Where to Apply
- University Website: University of Oslo
- Official Notification: click here
- Application Portal: click here
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