CNRS is recruiting a PhD student for a 36-month doctoral project in archaeobotany, dendro-anthracology and dendrochronology in France. Based at the Archaeomaterials Research Institute, the research examines ancient forests, charcoal production and iron metallurgy in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. The fixed-term position starts on 1 October 2026 and offers minimum remuneration of €2,300 gross per month, focusing on archaeological charcoal, woodland management and historical ecology.
The PhD will be hosted by the IRAMAT-LMC laboratory at the UTBM site in Sévenans, Territoire de Belfort. The project forms part of ECOFER SCOPE, which investigates the ecological legacies of nearly two millennia of iron production and its effects on forests, wood management and regional landscapes. Research will draw on archaeological charcoal from the TerriFer programme and the PCR “Sidérurgie en Bourgogne-Franche-Comté”.
The doctoral work will combine field sampling, laboratory analysis, experimental research and spatial methods, with collaboration involving archaeometallurgy and spatial-analysis specialists. It will also contribute to the development of the PYRAE analytical platform. The research will be supervised by Vanessa Py-Saragaglia, archaeobotanist and CNRS researcher with HDR, with co-supervision from Mélanie Saulnier, dendrochronologist and CNRS researcher at the GEODE Laboratory.
Programme Overview
- Position: PhD Student (M/F)
- Official Vacancy Reference: UMR7065-VANPYS-001
- Institution: French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)
- Research Unit: Institut de Recherche sur les Archéomatériaux (IRAMAT)
- Laboratory: IRAMAT-LMC, UTBM site, Sévenans
- Research Area: Ancient and Medieval Worlds
- Location: Belfort, Territoire de Belfort, France
- Research Site: IRAMAT-LMC, UTBM campus, Sévenans
- Contract Duration: 36 months
- Expected Start Date: 1 October 2026
- Minimum remuneration: €2,300 per month
Research Focus
The PhD will examine the following research areas through archaeological, dendrochronological and historical ecological approaches:
- Archaeobotany and archaeological charcoal
- Anthracology and dendro-anthracology
- Dendrochronology and tree-ring analysis
- Ancient woodland management practices
- Charcoal production and fuel supply
- Wood provenance and procurement areas
- Oak and beech dendrochronological references
- Iron metallurgy and forest exploitation
- Historical ecology
- LiDAR-supported spatial analysis
Eligibility and Qualifications
The published CNRS vacancy does not provide a detailed list of formal academic qualifications. Candidates should review the doctoral enrolment requirements and application conditions applicable to the position before applying.
The research is particularly relevant to candidates with an academic or research background in archaeology, archaeobotany, anthracology, dendrochronology, archaeometry, environmental archaeology or related fields.
The position is open to people holding recognised disabled-worker status, as stated in the official CNRS vacancy.
Research Responsibilities
The doctoral student will undertake interconnected analytical, fieldwork and experimental activities throughout the 36-month thesis.
- Determine the origin of charcoal-producing wood through tree-ring series and regional chronologies.
- Characterise ancient silvicultural practices using wood diameter, age and growth patterns.
- Identify woodland systems and cutting cycles from archaeological charcoal evidence.
- Track changes in woodland practices and fuel-supply areas using archaeological and spatial data.
- Develop dendrochronological and dendro-anthracological references for oak and beech.
- Participate in field sampling, laboratory analysis, and experimental charcoal production and reduction experiments in a bloomery furnace.
Funding and Benefits
The CNRS PhD position offers a 36-month fixed-term contract with monthly remuneration, leave entitlement and transport support.
- Minimum remuneration: €2,300 per month
- Annual leave and RTT: 44 days
- Transport: 75% of transport costs covered
- Sustainable mobility: Package of up to €300
- Research activities: Field sampling campaigns and laboratory analysis sessions
- Excavation: Participation in a summer excavation campaign during the first year, focused on metallurgical workshops in the study region.
- Research platform: Involvement in the development of the PYRAE analytical platform
- Specialist training: Anthracology, dendro-anthracology and dendrochronology applied to archaeological charcoal
Application Process
Candidates should apply through the official CNRS recruitment portal and refer to the vacancy reference UMR7065-VANPYS-001. The application must be completed before the stated closing date and time.
Required Documents
- The official vacancy does not specify the required application documents.
- Candidates should check the CNRS application portal for the current submission requirements before applying.
Important Dates
- Offer Posted: August 2026
- Application Deadline: 31 August 2026, 11:59 PM
- Expected Start Date: 1 October 2026
Eligible candidates should review the official CNRS vacancy, prepare their application according to the stated requirements and apply before the deadline.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Archaeobotany Research opportunities
- Fully Funded PhD positions Worldwide
- Academic opportunities in France
- Palaeoenvironmental research opportunities
- Global Doctoral research opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CNRS PhD research project about?
The PhD examines ancient forests, charcoal production and iron metallurgy in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté using archaeobotanical and dendrochronological research.
Where is the PhD position based?
The thesis will be hosted at the IRAMAT-LMC laboratory on the UTBM site in Sévenans, Territoire de Belfort, France.
What is the duration of the PhD?
The doctoral position has a fixed-term contract lasting 36 months.
When does the PhD start?
The expected start date is 1 October 2026.
Is this a fully funded PhD?
The position provides a paid 36-month PhD contract with a minimum remuneration of €2,300 per month. The official vacancy does not separately describe it as a fully funded scholarship.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 31 August 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Is the position open to disabled applicants?
Yes. The official vacancy states that the offer is open to people holding a title recognising their status as disabled workers.
Institutional Overview
The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) is a major organisation for fundamental research across a broad range of scientific disciplines. Its multidisciplinary structure brings together research fields within one national organisation, supporting collaboration across specialist areas. For this doctoral position, CNRS hosts research through the Archaeomaterials Research Institute and the IRAMAT-LMC laboratory. The project connects archaeobotany, dendrochronology, archaeology, archaeometry and historical ecology while examining ancient iron production and woodland resources. The doctoral researcher will work with CNRS researchers and specialists associated with the ECOFER project, including researchers in archaeometallurgy and spatial analysis.
Follow HigherJobz for the latest archaeology jobs, PhDs, postdocs and research opportunities worldwide.
