About the Program
Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES), Spain, invites applications for a fully funded predoctoral research position in Neanderthal Fire Use and Pyrotechnology as part of the FIRE-SPARK project (PID2024-157476NA-I00). Led by Dr. Aitor Burguet-Coca and funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities in collaboration with the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), this project investigates the functionality and complexity of fire in Middle Palaeolithic sites.
The research combines experimental archaeology, microarchaeology, and palaeoecological methods to study Neanderthal daily life and pyrotechnological practices. The doctoral thesis will focus on the pyroarchaeological record of Roca dels Bous and Cova del Trader, integrating the analysis of phytoliths, microcarbons, and minerals to interpret past fire practices. This 4-year position offers archaeological fieldwork, laboratory training, international collaboration, and professional development, with an anticipated start date of March 2026 in Tarragona, Spain.
Program Details
- Position: Fully Funded Predoctoral Researcher / PhD Candidate
- Institution: Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES)
- Department/Faculty: IPHES-CERCA
- Supervisor: Dr. Aitor Burguet-Coca
- Location: Tarragona, Spain
- Start Date (Anticipated): March 2026
- Duration: 4 years
- Funding: Fully funded predoctoral contract (EPIF) with progressive remuneration according to Spanish Royal Decree 103/2019
- Working Hours: 40 hours/week
- Required Degree/Diploma: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, or related disciplines.
Research Focus / Area
- Middle Palaeolithic Archaeology
- Neanderthal Fire Use and Pyrotechnology
- Experimental Archaeology
- Microarchaeology (phytoliths, microcarbons, minerals, FTIR)
- Palaeoecology and Human Behaviour
- Prehistoric Technology and Cultural Anthropology
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant disciplines
- Eligibility for URV Doctoral Programme 2026–2027
- Good command of English
- Motivation to conduct fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and data analysis
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research experience in prehistoric archaeology
- Knowledge of experimental archaeology and microarchaeological methods
- Analytical thinking, scientific communication, teamwork, and autonomy
Key Features of the Program
- 4-year predoctoral contract with progressive salary
- Enrolment in the URV Doctoral Programme with financial support for research stays (up to €7,000)
- Access to specialised laboratories and technical facilities at IPHES-CERCA
- Participation in archaeological fieldwork and experimental archaeology sessions
- Advanced training in microarchaeology, experimental methods, open science, and scientific integrity
- International research environment with collaboration and mentoring by a multidisciplinary team
Application Process
How to Apply: Submit the following documents to jobs@iphes.cat with the subject IPHES_FIRE-SPARK_PID_PREDOC. For queries, contact aburguet@iphes.cat.
Required Documentation (Phase 1):
- Motivation letter (max 2 pages)
- Curriculum vitae (max 4 pages, CVA format)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
Required Documentation (Phase 2):
- Copies of degrees and academic certificates
Important Dates
- Application Open: Open now
- Application Deadline: 21 January 2026
- Expected Start Date: March 2026
Where to Apply
- University Website: Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES), Spain
- Official Notifications: click here
- Apply Now: click here
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