The Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH), Spain, is seeking candidates for the Juan de la Cierva Formación Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 in Palaeolithic archaeology. The selected researcher will join the Archaeology Program to investigate lithic technology and functional analysis through interdisciplinary research on prehistoric human behaviour, technological development, and adaptation.
The fellowship supports a candidate applying for the Juan de la Cierva Formación contracts funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. The researcher will work with the Archaeology Program team at CENIEH, contributing to studies of Palaeolithic stone tools through technological analysis, use-wear studies, experimental archaeology, and digital analytical methods.
Furthermore, the postdoctoral researcher will participate in field and laboratory investigations involving Pleistocene archaeological sites and lithic collections. The research will examine technological organisation, production strategies, raw material management, and patterns of tool use across Lower, Middle, and Upper Palaeolithic contexts.
In addition, the project will explore how functional approaches to stone tools contribute to understanding cognition, adaptation, and hominin behaviour. The researcher will collaborate with international research teams while developing independent research on Palaeolithic technological evolution, archaeological interpretation, and human evolutionary studies.
Position Details
- Position: Juan de la Cierva Formación Postdoctoral Fellowship Candidate in Palaeolithic Archaeology
- Official Reference number: JdlC-26-Use-wear-profile
- Institution: Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH), Spain
- Department: Archaeology Program
- Research Discipline(s): Palaeolithic Archaeology, Lithic Technology, Functional Analysis
- Location: Burgos, Spain
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
- Contract Duration: Juan de la Cierva Formación contract (duration according to official programme terms)
- Start Date: To be confirmed after official fellowship selection
- Working Hours: Not specified
- Salary/Funding: Funded through the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation Juan de la Cierva Formación programme
- Required Qualification: PhD in Palaeolithic archaeology or a related field
Research Areas and Specialisations
The fellowship focuses on interdisciplinary research in Palaeolithic archaeology, with emphasis on the technological and functional study of stone tools through archaeological and experimental approaches. The main research areas include:
- Palaeolithic lithic technology and technological organisation, including lithic production strategies, reduction sequences, and raw material management.
- Stone tool functional analysis and use-wear studies using microscopic approaches to understand tool use and past human activities.
- Experimental archaeology and digital analytical methods, including 3D techniques for investigating prehistoric technologies.
- Pleistocene archaeological contexts and lithic assemblages from Lower, Middle, and Upper Palaeolithic periods.
- Human technological evolution and behavioural adaptation through the study of prehistoric tool-making practices.
Eligibility/Qualifications
Required qualifications include a PhD in Palaeolithic archaeology or a related discipline, supported by research experience in archaeological fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and scientific publication. Candidates should demonstrate independent research ability, experience with Palaeolithic lithic assemblages, and knowledge of stone tool technology and functional studies.
Applicants should also show the ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary and international research teams. Additional experience that will be positively evaluated includes:
- Advanced expertise in Palaeolithic lithic technology, including reduction sequence analysis and technological characterisation of stone tool industries.
- Experience with functional analysis methods, including microscopic techniques, digital imaging, and use-wear studies.
- Background in experimental archaeology related to lithic production, tool use, and prehistoric technology.
- International research experience, including research stays at specialised archaeological institutions and participation in collaborative scientific projects and networks.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse Palaeolithic lithic assemblages using technological and functional approaches.
- Investigate stone tool production, use, and management strategies.
- Apply microscopic and experimental methods for functional analysis.
- Study lithic collections from Lower, Middle, and Upper Palaeolithic contexts.
- Participate in fieldwork and laboratory investigations at CENIEH.
- Contribute to scientific publications and international research collaborations.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their application documents directly to Professor Mohamed Sahnouni, Coordinator of the Archaeology Program at CENIEH, before the internal selection deadline.
Applicants should provide the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing academic background, research experience, and publication record.
- Research Proposal: A 2–3 page document outlining the planned fellowship research and its contribution to Palaeolithic archaeology.
Important Dates
- Internal Candidate Selection Deadline: 20 August 2026
- Expected Official Programme Call: November 2026
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: To be confirmed
Eligible researchers interested in the Juan de la Cierva Postdoctoral Fellowship in Palaeolithic Archaeology should review the official details and submit their CV and research proposal to CENIEH before the closing date.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Palaeolithic Archaeology Fellowships
- Lithic Technology Research Positions
- Spain Academic Research Jobs
- Human Evolution Research Fellowships
- International Postdoctoral Opportunities
Institutional Overview
The Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH) is a research institution in Burgos, Spain, dedicated to investigating human evolution through archaeology, palaeoanthropology, and related scientific disciplines. Its Archaeology Program studies prehistoric human behaviour by analysing archaeological materials, technological development, and ancient environments. The institution supports interdisciplinary research involving field investigations, laboratory methods, experimental approaches, and international scientific collaboration. CENIEH researchers examine human evolution, cultural development, and technological change through evidence from Pleistocene archaeological contexts.
HigherJobz provides access to additional Palaeolithic research opportunities, postdoctoral fellowships, and international academic positions for researchers in archaeological science.
