The National Research Centre on Human Evolution (CENIEH), Spain, is offering a funded PhD opportunity in geoarchaeology and stratigraphy through a predoctoral fellowship programme supported by Fundación Atapuerca. The successful candidate will undertake doctoral research on the stratigraphy and geochemistry of the Sierra de Atapuerca archaeological sites. This opportunity is suitable for graduates seeking a PhD in geoarchaeology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, geochemistry, and archaeological science.
Programme Overview
- Position: PhD / Doctoral Researcher (Predoctoral Fellow)
- Official Reference Number: Profile 1 – Stratigraphic and Sedimentological Studies of Karstic Deposits in the Sierra de Atapuerca
- Institution: National Research Centre on Human Evolution (CENIEH), Spain
- Department: Not specified
- Faculty: Not specified
- Research Group: Stratigraphic and Geochemical Correlation of Karstic Deposits
- Supervisor: Not specified
- Location: Burgos, Spain
- Duration: Predoctoral contract (duration not specified)
- Start Date: Not specified
- Funding: Funded through the Fundación Atapuerca–CENIEH Predoctoral Fellowship Programme
- Required Degree / Diploma: Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
Research Project
This doctoral research project investigates the stratigraphic and sedimentological evolution of karstic deposits within the archaeological and palaeoanthropological sites of the Sierra de Atapuerca. The successful candidate will contribute to research on the geochemical correlation of sedimentary sequences and the interpretation of geological processes preserved within these archaeological deposits. The project combines geological and archaeological approaches to improve understanding of Quaternary environments and site formation processes. The research will focus on stratigraphic analysis of karstic deposits, sedimentological investigations, geochemical correlation of archaeological sequences, Quaternary geological research, mineralogical analysis, geomorphological interpretation, statistical analysis, and geological modelling.
Research Areas
The doctoral research covers interdisciplinary fields related to geoarchaeology, Earth sciences, and archaeological site formation studies. The main areas include:
- Geoarchaeology and Archaeological Science
- Stratigraphy and Sedimentology
- Geochemistry and Mineralogy
- Geomorphology and Quaternary Science
- Earth Sciences and Geological Modelling
Eligibility / Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Geology, Chemistry, Archaeology, Geography, or a related discipline.
- Minimum average academic grade of 6.50, meeting doctoral admission requirements.
- Strong academic record.
- Good English language proficiency.
Preferred Qualifications
- Interest in stratigraphy and sedimentology.
- Knowledge of geochemistry.
- Interest in mineralogy and geomorphology.
- Interest in Quaternary research.
- Experience or knowledge of statistical analysis.
- Interest in geological modelling.
Research Responsibilities
The successful doctoral researcher will contribute to the following activities:
- Conduct stratigraphic investigations of karstic deposits.
- Support geochemical correlation of archaeological sequences.
- Analyse sedimentological characteristics of cave sediments.
- Assist with geological interpretation of Quaternary deposits.
- Participate in multidisciplinary research activities at CENIEH.
- Contribute to doctoral research associated with the Sierra de Atapuerca.
Funding and Benefits
The fellowship provides financial support for doctoral research through the announced funding programme.
- Funded predoctoral fellowship.
- Funding provided through the Fundación Atapuerca–CENIEH programme.
- Predoctoral research contract.
- Research conducted at CENIEH in Burgos, Spain.
The vacancy does not specify salary, contract length, conference funding, training support, or additional employment benefits.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted by email, indicating the reference of the requested research profile. Only information included before the application deadline will be considered during the evaluation process.
Applicants should submit:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Degree certificate showing the completion date.
- Official academic transcript or equivalent academic record.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This PhD enables advanced training across geoarchaeology, stratigraphy, geochemistry, and Quaternary Science while examining sedimentary records from the Sierra de Atapuerca archaeological sites. The doctoral researcher will explore past environments, deposit formation, and geological processes through an interdisciplinary approach combining Earth sciences and archaeology.
The fellowship offers research experience within the National Research Centre on Human Evolution (CENIEH), Spain, where doctoral work combines geological and archaeological approaches to understand human evolution, landscape changes, and Quaternary deposits.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Open
- Application Deadline: 5 October 2026, 14:00 (local time)
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: Not specified
Apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered under the Fundación Atapuerca–CENIEH predoctoral fellowship programme.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Fully Funded PhD Opportunities
- Archaeology Research Fellowships
- Geoarchaeology Research Fellowships
- Geosciences Funding Opportunities
- Academic Jobs in Spain
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a funded PhD opportunity in Spain?
Yes, this vacancy offers a funded predoctoral fellowship through the Fundación Atapuerca–CENIEH programme.
What research area does this PhD cover?
The PhD focuses on geoarchaeology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, geochemistry, and Quaternary research.
Which degrees are eligible for this PhD fellowship?
Applicants with degrees in geology, chemistry, archaeology, geography, or related disciplines can apply.
Where will the research take place?
The doctoral research will be conducted at CENIEH in Burgos, Spain.
Institutional Overview
The National Research Centre on Human Evolution (CENIEH) is a public research institution based in Burgos, Spain. The centre supports research into human evolution through archaeology, geology, palaeoanthropology, geochronology, and related Earth sciences. Its researchers work closely with the archaeological sites of the Sierra de Atapuerca, one of Europe’s most important locations for the study of prehistoric human evolution. CENIEH provides advanced scientific facilities and promotes multidisciplinary research through collaborative projects and doctoral training. The institution contributes to geological, archaeological, and palaeoenvironmental research while supporting early-career researchers through funded doctoral opportunities.
Looking for more funded PhD opportunities in archaeology, geoarchaeology, geology, and Earth sciences? Explore similar doctoral scholarships and research vacancies on HigherJobz.
