PhD Position in Prehistoric Archaeology at Ghent University, Belgium
About the Programme
Ghent University invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Prehistoric Archaeology, focused on lithic analysis and climate-human interaction in the Belgian Meuse Valley. The selected doctoral fellow will work on an interdisciplinary FWO-funded project that investigates how prehistoric communities responded to climatic and environmental changes during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition (13,000–6000 cal BP). This is a unique opportunity to join an internationally respected research team at one of Europe’s leading research universities. The project involves collaboration with the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and offers access to cutting-edge methods including U/Th dating and stable isotope analysis.
Programme Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: Ghent University
- Department/Faculty: Department of Archaeology (LW02)
- Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Philippe Crombé, Dr. Hans Vandendriessche
- Location: Ghent, Belgium
- Start Date (Anticipated): September 2025
- Duration: Up to 4 years (initial 12 months, extendable upon positive evaluation)
- Funding: Full funding (fellowship based on standard AAP net salary, tax-free)
- Working Hours: Full-time (100% occupancy rate)
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree in Archaeology (with a specialisation in Prehistoric Archaeology)
Research Focus/Area
- Lithic analysis from the Final Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods
- Typological and technological variability in stone tools
- Raw material use and spatial distribution
- Reassessment of regional chronological frameworks
- Climate change and human responses in the Meuse basin
- Collaboration with speleothem studies (U/Th dating, stable isotopes)
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Archaeology, preferably focused on Prehistory
- Strong knowledge of lithic artefact analysis
- Ability to understand and work in French and English
- Willingness to conduct collaborative research
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s thesis in lithic analysis (preferably Final-Palaeolithic or Mesolithic sites)
- Experience with GIS software (e.g. QGIS, ArcMap)
- Background in Northwest European archaeology
- Strong academic record and analytical skills
Key Features of the Programme
- Fully funded PhD with no tuition fees
- International research collaboration with UGent and KBIN
- Access to archaeological laboratories and analytical facilities
- Support for academic conferences and travel
- Career development and training opportunities
- 36 paid leave days annually (full-time position)
- Benefits including eco vouchers, bicycle allowance, and bridge days
Application Process
How to Apply:
Send your application via email to supervisors: hans.vandendriessche@ugent.be and philippe.crombe@ugent.be.
Required Documents:
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Digital copy of Master’s dissertation
- Copy of your degree/diploma (if available)
- Letter of recommendation from Master’s dissertation supervisor
Email Contacts:
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Ongoing
- Deadline: 27 June 2025 (00:00 CET)
- Interviews (if applicable): To be scheduled after shortlisting
Where to Apply
- University Website: https://www.ugent.be/en
- Official Notification: Doctoral fellow — Ghent University
- Application Portal: Apply by email to hans.vandendriessche@ugent.be and philippe.crombe@ugent.be.
