The Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behaviour (ICArEHB) at the University of Algarve in Faro, Portugal, is offering a Research Grant – Master’s in Archaeology. The position forms part of the ICArEHB project, which the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) funds through the Research Centres Programme.
The research will focus on spatial analysis and patterns of territory occupation during the Mesolithic and Neolithic. The selected researcher will work with archaeological site data and environmental and socio-cultural variables, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial analysis and predictive modelling methods.
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Archaeology and be enrolled in a master’s degree, doctoral programme or eligible non-degree course. Applicants must have fluent written and spoken English and research experience in GIS and spatial analysis applied to archaeological contexts. Experience with the Mesolithic and Neolithic, predictive settlement modelling, peer-reviewed publications and archaeological fieldwork are considered an advantage during the selection process.
The initial grant period is 12 months, with the start date scheduled for October 2026, and may be renewed until 31 December 2029 within the applicable regulations. The monthly maintenance allowance is €1,359.64. Applications are open until 6 October 2026.
Position Details
- Position: Research Grant – Master’s (Bolsa de Investigação – Mestre).
- Reference Number: UID/04211/2025 – ICArEHB
- Institution: University of Algarve, Portugal
- Research Centre: Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behaviour (ICArEHB)
- Research Discipline(s): Archaeology; Mesolithic and Neolithic Archaeology; GIS and Spatial Analysis
- Location: Faro, Portugal
- Job Type: Research Grant – Master’s
- Grant Duration: 12 months, with possible renewal until 31 December 2029
- Start Date: October 2026
- Funding: €1,359.64 monthly maintenance allowance
- Required Qualification: Master’s degree in Archaeology
Research Areas
The research focuses on the use of spatial and archaeological methods to investigate prehistoric settlement and territory occupation.
- Archaeology
- Mesolithic Archaeology
- Neolithic Archaeology
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Spatial Analysis
- Predictive Settlement Modelling
- Archaeological Site Analysis
- Prehistoric Territory Occupation
Eligibility/Qualifications
Applicants should:
- Hold a Master’s degree in Archaeology and be enrolled in a master’s degree, doctoral programme or eligible non-degree course under the FCT Research Grant Regulations. Enrolment in a PhD programme in Archaeology is an advantage.
- Have fluent written and spoken English and research experience in spatial analysis using GIS in archaeology. Experience with predictive settlement modelling is an advantage.
- Have research experience in the Mesolithic and Neolithic and archaeological fieldwork, including directing excavations or surveys.
- Have publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- For qualifications from a foreign higher education institution, provide evidence of recognition under Portuguese regulations or proof that recognition has been requested by the application deadline.
Funding and Grant Period
- Monthly maintenance allowance: €1,359.64, paid by bank transfer.
- Initial grant period: 12 months, starting in October 2026.
- Renewal: The University may renew the grant until 31 December 2029, subject to the FCT Research Grant Regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Compile and organise Mesolithic and Neolithic archaeological site data in a GIS environment.
- Characterise environmental and socio-cultural variables associated with archaeological site locations.
- Apply spatial analysis methods to archaeological data.
- Apply predictive modelling methods to investigate territory occupation patterns.
- Examine changes in territory occupation over time.
- Contribute to scientific publications and conference presentations.
Application Process
Applications should be submitted by email to the President of the Competition Evaluation Panel at jmcascalheira@ualg.pt, using the reference Notice No. 96/2026. Applicants should date and sign the application form and consent to receive competition-related notifications by email.
Required documents include:
- Official identification document or applicable legal equivalent.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Copies of qualification certificates, including the final grade and, where applicable, course grades.
- A motivation letter of no more than 500 words.
- Any other documents relevant to the scholarship.
- A completed, dated and signed application form.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 22 September 2026
- Application Deadline: 6 October 2026, 23:59 (Europe/London)
Eligible candidates should follow the University of Algarve’s application instructions and submit the required documents by email.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Archaeology research opportunities
- Geoarchaeology research opportunities
- Prehistory research opportunities
- European academic research positions
- Portugal academic research jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the research grant about?
The grant supports archaeological research on spatial analysis and patterns of territory occupation during the Mesolithic and Neolithic, using GIS, spatial analysis and predictive modelling.
What degree is required?
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Archaeology. They must also meet the relevant enrolment requirements for the research grant.
What GIS experience is required?
Applicants need research experience in spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems applied to archaeological contexts.
How much is the monthly funding?
The monthly maintenance allowance is €1,359.64.
Where is the research based?
The researcher will work at ICArEHB, University of Algarve, in Faro, Portugal.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 6 October 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/London). The competition is open from 22 September to 6 October 2026.
Institutional Overview
The University of Algarve is a public university in Faro, Portugal, with campuses in Gambelas and Penha. Founded in 1979, the university provides teaching and research across a range of academic fields and maintains strong links with national and international research networks. The Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behaviour (ICArEHB), a research centre within the University of Algarve, hosts this research grant. ICArEHB brings together researchers who study archaeology, human evolution and past human behaviour. The centre promotes interdisciplinary research that combines archaeology with approaches from the natural and social sciences. This research grant contributes to the centre’s research programme and examines the occupation of territories during the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods.
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