Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is offering a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher position in Archaeology and AI within the fully funded ARCHAI project. The interdisciplinary project combines archaeological prospection, artificial intelligence, machine learning and geospatial data to improve archaeological site discovery. The postdoctoral position is scheduled to start in January 2027 and offers a full-time 12-month scholarship, extendable up to 36 months subject to a positive evaluation of research activities.
As part of the ARCHAI project, the researcher will work across VUB’s Archaeology, Environmental Changes and Geo-Chemistry (AMGC) and Federated Labs AI and Robotics (FLAIR) teams. The role will combine archaeological datasets, maps and satellite imagery with machine learning methods to identify locations with archaeological potential. This work will support the development of computational approaches for archaeological prospection and site discovery.
The research will examine how artificial intelligence can support archaeological survey decisions when available data are incomplete, uncertain or unevenly distributed. The project will use computational simulation and deep multi-objective reinforcement learning to develop and assess strategies for archaeological prospection.
These approaches will then be evaluated in real field settings, including Turkey, Cyprus and Flanders. The researcher will contribute to publishing the findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting the research at conferences, workshops and other academic forums.
Position Overview
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher in Archaeology and AI
- Institution: Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
- Location: Brussels, Belgium
- Research Project: ARCHAI
- Research Discipline(s): Archaeology, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Archaeological Prospection, GIS and Geospatial Analysis
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Contract: Full-time postdoctoral scholarship
- Duration: 12 months, extendable up to 36 months
- Funding: Full-time postdoctoral scholarship linked to a government salary scale
- Required Qualification: PhD in Archaeology, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence or a related discipline
About the ARCHAI Project
ARCHAI is a fully funded interdisciplinary VUB project that treats archaeological prospection as a sequential decision-making process. It will develop a simulation platform combining heterogeneous geospatial and archaeological data to reproduce real prospection activities. The project will use deep multi-objective reinforcement learning to develop efficient and interpretable strategies for estimating archaeological potential, considering scientific yield and cost-effectiveness.
The resulting strategies will operate across large, partially observed spatial environments and will be tested in real field settings in Turkey, Cyprus and Flanders. The project combines archaeological prospection expertise from the AMGC group with the FLAIR group’s work on multi-objective deep reinforcement learning to support decision-making under uncertainty.
Research Areas
The position brings together related research areas across archaeology, artificial intelligence, machine learning and geospatial analysis:
- Archaeological Prospection
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Archaeological Predictive Modelling
- Archaeological Site Discovery
- GIS and Spatial Analysis
- Geospatial and Archaeological Data
- Computational Simulation
- Deep Multi-Objective Reinforcement Learning
- Satellite Imagery and Landscape Data
Eligibility/Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- A PhD in Archaeology, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence or a related discipline.
- Experience with computing, preferably machine learning.
- Archaeological candidates with a strong willingness to develop AI and machine learning skills are also encouraged to apply.
- Candidates from AI or computer science backgrounds with an interest in archaeology are likewise encouraged to apply.
- A strong interest in interdisciplinary research combining humanities and sciences.
- A strong scientific track record appropriate to their career stage.
- Experience writing or contributing to successful research grant proposals.
- Excellent digital data management skills, including database development and spatial analysis or GIS.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills.
- Excellent proficiency in written and spoken English.
Key Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include:
- Co-coordinate the ARCHAI project, ensuring close collaboration between the AMGC and FLAIR teams.
- Contribute to machine learning methods for archaeological predictive modelling and site discovery.
- Help develop the archaeological search-process simulator used to train and evaluate AI methods.
- Combine archaeological and landscape data, including maps, satellite imagery and archaeological datasets.
- Contribute to research grant applications to expand the project.
- Participate in regular activities and meetings within the AMGC and FLAIR teams.
- Help supervise MSc and BSc theses related to the project.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and computer science conferences.
- Present research at academic meetings, workshops, conferences and policy forums.
- Communicate project findings through public outreach activities.
Funding and Benefits
The position provides a full-time postdoctoral scholarship for an initial period of 12 months, with possible extension up to 36 months following positive research evaluation.
Additional benefits include:
- Flexible working: Extensive homeworking options, with either a €50 monthly telework allowance or €20 monthly internet fee.
- Annual leave: 35 days of leave, Christmas and New Year closure, plus three additional leave days.
- Insurance and commuting: Cost-free hospitalisation insurance, full reimbursement of eligible public transport costs, and bicycle commuting compensation.
- Campus facilities: Affordable meals, sports and exercise facilities, and nursery facilities near the campus.
- Additional benefits: Benefits@Work discounts, Ecocheques and discounted holiday camps.
- Professional development: Access to VUB learning platforms and training courses for continuous learning.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the VUB jobs portal by 14 September 2026. Candidates will initially be assessed based on their application materials, followed by an interview for shortlisted applicants.
Required documents
- CV including contact details for two referees.
- Motivation letter of no more than two pages.
- Diploma, unless the applicant is a VUB alumnus.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Not specified in the source
- Application Deadline: 14 September 2026
- Expected Start Date: January 2027
Eligible researchers should review the official vacancy details through the Apply Now button and submit their complete application through the VUB jobs portal.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Postdoctoral Research Positions Worldwide
- Archaeology Research Jobs Worldwide
- Belgium University Research Opportunities
- Digital Archaeology Research Positions
- Academic Research Jobs Worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the position at Vrije Universiteit Brussel?
It is a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher in Archaeology and AI position within the ARCHAI research project.
What qualification is required?
Applicants need a PhD in archaeology, computer science, artificial intelligence or a related discipline.
Where is the postdoctoral position based?
The position is based at the Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus in Elsene, Brussels, Belgium.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 14 September 2026.
Institutional Overview
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is a Dutch-speaking university based in Brussels, with around 4,000 employees and approximately four campuses. Its institutional principles include freedom, equality, solidarity and free research. The university supports critical thinking, creativity and independent approaches to scientific and social questions. VUB is also a member of EUTOPIA, an alliance of European universities. The advertised post is based at the Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus in Elsene. The university provides an international working environment and offers opportunities for researchers to develop their careers through research activities, training platforms and collaboration across different academic fields and research groups.
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