Ghent University is inviting applications for a funded Postdoctoral Researcher position within the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy. The appointment supports the European Research Council (ERC) DAEDALOS project and focuses on comparative research into labour systems associated with pre-industrial monumental construction. The successful researcher will contribute through literature-based investigation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scholarly publications examining relationships between labour organisation and built environments.
The position centres on developing an academic framework for understanding how labour systems influenced monumental architecture across different historical societies. Working alongside specialists in archaeology and geomatics, the researcher will review archaeological, historical, ethnographic, and comparative evidence to identify material, structural, and spatial patterns linked to labour mobilisation. The role combines independent research with collaborative investigation, supporting the broader objectives of the ERC-funded DAEDALOS project.
Furthermore, throughout the appointment, at least seventy per cent of the workload will be dedicated to academic research. The researcher will examine cross-cultural evidence from synthetic studies, regional investigations, and research databases to strengthen comparative understanding of architectural production in pre-industrial societies. Findings will contribute to research reports and jointly authored academic publications supporting the project’s long-term research objectives.
In addition, the position offers an opportunity to work within one of Belgium’s leading archaeology departments while contributing to an internationally recognised research project. Applicants with expertise in cultural anthropology, archaeology, or history and demonstrated experience in comparative literature reviews will be expected to conduct scientifically independent research within a collaborative academic environment.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Job ID: 30108
- Institution: Ghent University, Belgium
- Department: Department of Archaeology (LW02), Faculty of Arts and Philosophy
- Research Disciplines: Archaeology, Cultural Anthropology, History
- Location: Ghent, Belgium
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Contract Duration: Maximum 1 year (contract of unlimited duration with clause)
- Start Date: October 2026 (earliest)
- Working Hours: Full-time (100% occupancy)
- Salary/Funding: PD1–PD4 salary scale (doctoral degree)
- Required Qualification: Thesis-based PhD
Research Areas
This Ghent University Archaeology Postdoctoral Researcher position contributes to research in:
- Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology
- Labour Systems in Pre-Industrial Societies
- Monumental Building Projects and Architectural Production
- Built Environment Studies
- Comparative and Cross-Cultural Research
- Labour Organisation in Monumental Construction
- ERC DAEDALOS Research Project
Eligibility / Qualifications
Required qualifications for the Ghent University Archaeology Postdoctoral Researcher position include:
- Thesis-based PhD in Archaeology, Cultural Anthropology, or History, awarded within the previous six years.
- Demonstrated experience conducting literature reviews in archaeology, cultural anthropology, or history.
- Strong comparative and cross-cultural analytical skills, including research on labour mobilisation and monumental construction.
- Ability to conduct scientifically independent research while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team.
- Demonstrated proficiency in academic writing in English.
Key Responsibilities
The successful researcher will be expected to:
- Conduct literature reviews on labour systems associated with pre-industrial monumental building projects.
- Collaborate with researchers within the ERC DAEDALOS project to investigate relationships between labour systems and built environments.
- Analyse material, structural, and spatial evidence using archaeological, ethnographic, historical, and regional sources.
- Contribute to interdisciplinary research in archaeology and geomatics through comparative and cross-cultural analysis.
- Prepare research reports and co-author scholarly publications arising from the project.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the official Ghent University online recruitment system before the closing deadline. Applications sent by email or submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Required documents include:
- Curriculum Vitae and academic transcript combined into one PDF.
- Cover letter in PDF format.
- Transcript of the required doctoral degree.
- Certified translation of the diploma where required.
- Overview of study results.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Currently Open
- Application Deadline: 15 August 2026, 23:59 (Brussels Time)
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: October 2026 (earliest)
Review the full notification, eligibility criteria, qualifications, and application requirements by clicking Apply Now before the deadline.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Archaeology Research Careers
- European ERC Research Opportunities
- Anthropology Research Opportunities
- Humanities Research Careers
- Belgium Academic Research Opportunities
Institutional Overview
Ghent University is one of Belgium’s largest research universities, employing more than 15,000 staff across eleven faculties and over eighty academic departments. The university supports research, education, administration, and technical services through an extensive academic community. Its Faculty of Arts and Philosophy brings together researchers working across archaeology, history, languages, philosophy, and cultural studies. Through international collaborations and research-led teaching, Ghent University provides an environment where interdisciplinary scholarship supports scientific development across diverse academic disciplines while contributing to research projects with international relevance.
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