About the PhD Position
KU Leuven invites applications for a fully funded PhD in Faunal Materials and Objects within Archaeology and Cultural Studies at the Faculty of Arts, Archaeology Department, Leuven, Belgium. This doctoral research focuses on documenting and analysing faunal materials and objects from the 2nd millennium BCE East Mediterranean, including leather, bone, antler, and teeth, employing ethnographic, experimental, and iconographic approaches to Bronze Age material culture. The position will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Ann Brysbaert and is affiliated with the ODYSSEIA research programme.
The PhD position is funded for three years with a possible fourth year and offers a doctoral scholarship according to KU Leuven’s salary scale (barema 43). The research will involve archaeological analyses, 3D modelling, ethnographic and experimental methods, study of Linear A & B and Egyptian textual sources, and cross-cultural comparison of Aegean and Egyptian Bronze Age workflows. Candidates will also engage in collaborative data-sharing, open-access database creation, and conference presentations.
The program provides structured doctoral training, access to advanced archaeological facilities, and a dynamic international academic environment with opportunities for collaboration across research centres and fieldwork in Greece. This opportunity is suitable for candidates with a Master’s background in Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies, or Anthropology who aspire to pursue academic or postdoctoral careers in archaeology, Bronze Age studies, or cultural heritage research.
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Program Overview
- Position: Fully Funded PhD / Doctoral Researcher in Faunal Materials and Objects
- Position Type: PhD Position
- Institution: KU Leuven, Belgium
- Department: Faculty of Arts, Archaeology
- Research Group: ODYSSEIA Programme
- Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Ann Brysbaert
- Location: Leuven,
- Country: Belgium
- Duration: 3 years + optional 4th year with teaching
- Start Date: September–December 2026
- Funding: Gross annual doctoral scholarship according to KU Leuven barema 43
- Employment Type: Full-time (38 hours per week)
- Number of Positions: 1
- Required Degree / Diploma: Master’s degree in Archaeology or related field
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Research Focus
- Advanced analysis of faunal and organic materials (leather, bone, antler, teeth)
- Archaeozoological and archaeometric studies of Bronze Age artefacts
- Iconographic, ethnographic, and experimental approaches to material culture
- 3D modelling and workflow reconstruction of East Mediterranean objects
- Comparative study of Aegean and Egyptian Bronze Age socio-economic and labour patterns
- Integration of Linear A & B and Egyptian textual data for technological reconstruction
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Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Archaeology, History, Anthropology, or related fields
- Proven research skills in prehistoric organic material culture
- Experience with databases, Excel, or statistical packages
- Excellent command of English (reading, writing, speaking)
- MA/MSc thesis graded at least 7.5/10 or international equivalent
Preferred Qualifications:
- Specialisation in archaeozoology or organic material studies
- Museum or excavation experience with microscopes or lab equipment
- Knowledge of use-wear analysis on organic materials
- Additional language skills (Modern Greek, French, German)
- Relevant publications or academic writing experience
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Key Responsibilities
- Conduct doctoral research within the ODYSSEIA framework
- Participate in workshops, meetings, and training programmes
- Present research at national and international conferences
- Publish peer-reviewed articles, handbook chapters, and open-access database entries
- Engage in minor teaching and administrative activities
- Travel to Greece for fieldwork, library research, and museum studies
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online via KU Leuven portal:
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV, max 2 pages) with publication list if applicable
- Short research proposal (max 3 pages) including bibliography
- Cover letter (max 2 pages) linking experience to project and selection criteria
- Major writing sample: MA thesis or published paper
- Academic transcripts (BA/BSc, MA/MSc)
- Names and contact details of three academic referees (including MA thesis supervisor)
Important Dates:
- Applications Open: 16 March 2026
- Application Deadline: 30 April 2026 (23:59 UTC)
- Interviews: June 2026 via Teams
- Expected Start Date: September–December 2026
Where to Apply
- University / Institute Website: KU Leuven
- Department / Research Group Information: Faculty of Arts, Archaeology
- Official Job Announcement: PhD in Faunal Materials – KU Leuven
- Application Portal: Submit Your Application
📧 Contact for Queries:
- Prof. Dr. Ann Brysbaert – ann.brysbaert@kuleuven.be
- Prof. Dr. I. Schoep – ilse.schoep@kuleuven.be
This fully funded PhD position offers an excellent opportunity for international scholars seeking comprehensive research support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advanced research opportunities at KU Leuven in Belgium.
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