About the Position
The University of Bordeaux invites applications for a fully funded Project Engineer position in Prehistory at the PACEA laboratory in Pessac, France. This 12-month full-time role focuses on statistical and geographical analyses exploring long-term cultural evolution across Upper Palaeolithic Europe.
The position is part of the Human Past Major Research Program investigating biological and cultural tipping points in human history. The project analyses how knowledge transmission, symbolic behaviour, and innovation networks transformed early societies across wide geographic regions.
You will combine and refine large archaeological databases covering more than 200 Upper Palaeolithic sites. Advanced methods, including GIS mapping, multivariate statistics, social network analysis, and Bayesian modelling, will be central to your work.
The gross monthly salary ranges from €2250 to €2340, alongside strong French public employment benefits. This opportunity places you within a CNRS-affiliated, interdisciplinary research environment near Bordeaux and the Atlantic coast.
Program / Job Details
- Position: Project Engineer (12-month contract)
- Institution: University of Bordeaux, France
- Department: PACEA – From Prehistory to Present
- Research Field: Prehistory
- Supervisor: Archaeology of Symbols Research Team
- Location: Pessac, France
- Number of Positions: 1
- Job Type: Full-time
- Start Date: May 2026
- Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
- Salary / Funding: €2250–€2340 gross per month
This fully funded Project Engineer position in cultural evolution at the University of Bordeaux, France, is open for one candidate starting May 2026.
Research Area
- Cultural evolution and symbolic systems
- Upper Palaeolithic archaeology
- GIS, cluster analysis, SNA, Bayesian modelling
- European prehistoric innovation networks
The research contributes to global debates on how innovation spreads and how early symbolic systems shaped human societies.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Master’s degree in Prehistory or material culture studies
- Good English proficiency and basic French
- Knowledge of European recent Palaeolithic contexts
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with GIS, multivariate statistics, and database analysis
- Strong command of R programming
- Background in quantitative or mathematical analysis
- Field archaeology experience
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct database integration and descriptive analysis
- Implement statistical protocols exploring cultural change mechanisms
- Map cultural geography patterns identified through analysis
- Prepare figures and draft methods and results sections for publication
- Collaborate within multidisciplinary and international research teams
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit applications by email to job-ref-eqga74q6am@emploi.beetween.com
Required Documents:
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts
- References
- Publication list, if applicable
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a pre-qualification phone discussion followed by an online interview.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 10 February 2026
- Application Deadline: 12 March 2026
- Expected Start: May 2026
Useful Links
- Official Institution Website: University of Bordeaux
- Job Announcement: Project Engineer in Prehistory
- Apply Here: mailto:job-ref-eqga74q6am@emploi.beetween.com
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