Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Spain is offering two funded PhD Researcher positions in archaeology, focusing on data management and remote sensing of South American heritage. Starting in November 2026, the doctoral project combines archaeological datasets, GIS methods, and digital heritage approaches within the Department of Humanities.
The PhD researchers will join the CASEs research group and contribute to the MAPHSA project, which aims to integrate historical records with new geospatial data into an open-access digital repository. The research will examine archaeological site distributions and long-term socio-ecological histories of pre-Columbian populations.
Furthermore, selected candidates will collect, process, and analyse archaeological datasets using spatial approaches. The work will involve developing geospatial tools, applying remote sensing techniques, and conducting integrated spatio-temporal analyses to support heritage documentation and management.
In addition, the researchers will complete a PhD thesis within the History doctoral programme at Universitat Pompeu Fabra. The project combines archaeology, GIS, remote sensing, database management, and computational approaches to investigate South American archaeological heritage.
Programme Overview
- Position: PhD Researcher / Predoctoral Research Trainee
- Official Reference Number: HUM-PIPF-2026-04
- Institution: Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain
- Department: Department of Humanities
- Research Group: CASEs Research Group
- Supervisor: Marco Madella (Chair of the Selection Committee)
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Duration: Minimum 1 year and maximum 4 years
- Start Date: November 2026
- Funding: Approximately €19,007.28 gross per year
- Required Degree / Diploma: Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Archaeology, Geography, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or related fields
Research Project
The MAPHSA project focuses on pre-Columbian South American heritage by integrating archaeological data with geospatial technologies. The research aims to develop an open-access digital database and mapping resource that supports archaeological analysis, heritage management, and the documentation of cultural landscapes across South America.
The project includes archaeological data collection and processing, geospatial analysis of heritage sites, remote sensing applications in archaeology, digital database construction and management, and spatio-temporal analysis of archaeological patterns to improve understanding of past societies and landscapes.
Research Focus
The doctoral research focuses on the application of digital and geospatial approaches to study pre-Columbian South American archaeology and heritage. Key research areas include:
- Archaeological heritage documentation and digital heritage management
- GIS, geospatial modelling, and spatial data analysis
- Remote sensing technologies for archaeological research
- Analysis of archaeological landscapes and cultural heritage data
Eligibility / Qualifications
Applicants should have academic and technical experience relevant to archaeology, spatial research, and digital heritage studies. The required and preferred qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Archaeology, Geography, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or related fields
- Admission to or enrolment in the PhD Programme in History at Universitat Pompeu Fabra
- Experience in spatial data collection, processing, analysis, and database management
- Knowledge of GIS, machine learning, and geospatial modelling methods
- Experience processing SAR, LiDAR, and optical imagery data
- Programming skills in R and Python
- Good knowledge of English and Spanish; knowledge of Catalan is also valued
Research Responsibilities
Selected PhD researchers will work on the MAPHSA project, contributing to archaeological research on South American heritage. Their responsibilities will include:
- Collecting and analysing archaeological datasets
- Developing geospatial methods for heritage research
- Using remote sensing techniques to identify archaeological sites
- Managing archaeological databases and spatial information
- Carrying out spatial and temporal analysis of research data
- Supporting publications and research activities related to South American heritage
Funding and Benefits
The PhD position provides a temporary full-time research contract with financial support throughout the doctoral training period.
- Gross annual salary of approximately €19,007.28
- Full-time contract with 37.5 working hours per week
- Contract duration between one and four years
- Research environment within the Department of Humanities
- Workspace in a shared office with CASEs research group members
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the Interfolio platform after the official call is published by Universitat Pompeu Fabra. Candidates must provide documents supporting their qualifications and evaluated merits.
Required documents include:
- Copy of ID card, NIE, or passport
- Copy of university degree certificates
- Curriculum vitae (maximum two pages)
- Motivation letter (maximum one page)
Why This Opportunity Matters
This PhD provides research training in archaeology, heritage studies, and digital approaches to understanding past societies. The project combines geospatial technologies, remote sensing, and spatial analysis to examine South American archaeological heritage. Researchers will gain experience in managing archaeological data, applying computational methods, and documenting cultural landscapes. The programme supports interdisciplinary study through practical research activities focused on heritage documentation, data analysis, and the development of new approaches in archaeological investigation.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 28 July 2026
- Application Deadline: 9 October 2026, 23:59 (Europe/Madrid)
- Expected Start Date: November 2026
Eligible candidates can review the official vacancy details and submit their application through the university’s application portal before the deadline.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Funded PhD Opportunities Worldwide
- Archaeology Research Positions
- Heritage Research Opportunities
- Digital Archaeology Opportunities
- Spain Research Opportunities
Institutional Overview
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) is a public research university located in Barcelona, Spain. Founded in 1990, the university has developed a strong international profile through research, teaching, and innovation across humanities, social sciences, health sciences, communication, and technology. The Department of Humanities supports interdisciplinary research projects that connect historical studies with digital methods and emerging analytical approaches. UPF promotes collaboration between researchers and provides academic environments for doctoral and postdoctoral training. Through research groups such as CASEs, the university contributes to archaeological studies, cultural heritage research, and the development of data-driven approaches for understanding past societies and historical landscapes.
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