KU Leuven is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in Egyptian Archaeology within the interdisciplinary research project Meat in Greco-Roman Egypt (MeaGRE): An Interdisciplinary Approach. Based in Leuven, Belgium, the doctoral project investigates meat production, consumption, and their wider socio-economic context in Greco-Roman Egypt through archaeological and textual evidence. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research environment bringing together archaeologists, Egyptologists, historians, papyrologists, and heritage specialists, with the position expected to begin in November 2026.
Position Details
- Position: PhD Position in Egyptian Archaeology on Meat in Greco-Roman Egypt
- Institution: KU Leuven, Belgium
- Department: Department of Archaeology (AKM Department)
- Research Disciplines: Egyptian Archaeology, Egyptology, Ancient History, Archaeology
- Location: Leuven, Belgium
- Job Type: Fully Funded PhD
- Contract Duration: 1 year, extendable to 4 years after positive evaluation
- Start Date: November 2026
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary/Funding: Doctoral scholarship in accordance with KU Leuven PhD salary scales
- Required Qualification: Master’s degree in Egyptology, Archaeology with a focus on Egypt, or an equivalent qualification
Project Overview
The MeaGRE (Meat in Greco-Roman Egypt) project examines long-held assumptions about diet in the ancient Mediterranean, where meat has traditionally been considered a luxury food consumed mainly by elite groups. Using archaeological evidence alongside written historical sources, the project investigates:
- Meat consumption in Greco-Roman Egypt
- Meat production and processing
- Food preparation practices
- Institutional and religious contexts
- Socio-economic aspects of diet
- Animal remains and archaeological evidence
The project is jointly directed by Prof. Dr Katelijn Vandorpe and Prof. Dr Stefan Baumann.
Research Responsibilities
The successful PhD candidate will be expected to:
- Analyse archaeological evidence relating to meat processing and consumption in Greco-Roman Egypt.
- Study architectural remains, cooking vessels, storage jars, temple ritual scenes, and tomb depictions.
- Incorporate animal bone remains into the research in collaboration with an archaeozoologist.
- Work closely with the interdisciplinary MeaGRE research team, including doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.
- Present research at national and international conferences and publish findings in peer-reviewed publications.
- Complete PhD training and undertake limited teaching and project administration duties.
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements: Applicants should have:
- A Master’s degree in Egyptology, Archaeology with a focus on Egypt, or an equivalent qualification.
- An excellent academic record demonstrating the potential for independent research.
- Excellent written and spoken English, with reading proficiency in French and German.
- Basic knowledge of Middle Egyptian.
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- An interest in interdisciplinary research combining textual and archaeological evidence.
Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants with:
- Knowledge of Greco-Roman temple inscriptions.
- Experience analysing organic remains, particularly animal bones.
- Knowledge of Dutch (considered an asset but not essential).
Funding and Benefits
The successful candidate for this fully funded PhD in Egyptian Archaeology will receive:
- Fully funded full-time doctoral scholarship
- Initial one-year contract, renewable up to four years following positive evaluation
- Salary according to KU Leuven PhD salary scales
- Opportunity to attend international conferences
- Academic training and professional development workshops
- Membership of an active international research community in archaeology, Egyptology and ancient history
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the official KU Leuven online application system as a single PDF document containing the required materials.
Required documents include:
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages)
- Cover Letter (maximum two pages)
- Major writing sample (Master’s thesis or published paper)
- Academic transcripts for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Open now
- Application Deadline: 24 August 2026, 23:59 CET
- Interview Period: Early to mid-September 2026
- Expected Start Date: November 2026
Applications must be submitted before 24 August 2026. Early submission is recommended to ensure all required documents are uploaded before the application deadline.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Fully Funded PhD Positions Worldwide
- Egyptology Research Opportunities
- Ancient Studies Research Opportunities
- Belgium University Research Careers
- Archaeology and Heritage Jobs Worldwide
Institutional Overview
KU Leuven is one of Europe’s leading research universities, recognised for its strong reputation in teaching, innovation, and internationally respected research. Based in Leuven, Belgium, the university supports academic excellence across the humanities, sciences, engineering, health sciences, and social sciences. Its Department of Archaeology offers a collaborative research environment with particular strengths in Egyptian archaeology, ancient history, and interdisciplinary scholarship. Researchers work alongside experienced academics, doctoral candidates, and international collaborators while benefiting from modern research facilities, specialist expertise, and opportunities to contribute to high-quality archaeological and historical research with global academic relevance.
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