The University of Catania (Università degli Studi di Catania), Italy, is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Position in Archaeology focused on reconstructing ancient production practices at Tell Muhammad, Iraq. The project investigates food and tool production during the third and second millennia BC through archaeological evidence and scientific analysis conducted within an Italian archaeological mission. It also contributes to preparing exhibition materials for the future archaeological park at Tell Muhammad and Tell Harmal.
The research position is part of the AICS-funded project ArTourBagh: Archaeological Heritage and Sustainable Cultural Tourism in Baghdad. The appointed researcher will analyse archaeological production sites excavated since 2022 and compare findings with related sites from the third and second millennia BC. This work aims to reconstruct ancient production techniques and strengthen the understanding of early manufacturing systems through scientific and comparative archaeological methods.
In addition to research analysis, the role involves supporting the preparation of exhibition panels for the planned archaeological park. The research outcomes will directly inform the interpretation of archaeological discoveries and contribute to presenting the historical significance of Tell Muhammad and Tell Harmal within a cultural heritage context.
The project integrates archaeology, history, and cultural heritage research to examine ancient production systems in Western Asia. It offers a structured research environment for investigating economic and technological practices in ancient Mesopotamia through interdisciplinary archaeological science and field-based evidence.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher – Reconstructing the History of Productions in Tell Muhammad (Iraq)
- Institution: University of Catania, Italy
- Department: Department of Humanities
- Research Discipline: Archaeology and Art History of Ancient Western Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean
- Scientific Group: Ancient and Modern Cultures and Languages of Africa and Western and Central Asia (10/STAA-01)
- Project: ArTourBagh: Archaeological Heritage and Sustainable Cultural Tourism in Baghdad (AICS – Italian Agency for Development Cooperation)
- Location: Catania, Italy
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Research Assignment
- Contract Duration: 1 Year
- Funding: AICS – Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (Project: ArTourBagh)
- Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Nicola Laneri
Research Area
The Postdoctoral Archaeology Research Position focuses on the following related research areas:
- Archaeology and Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology
- Archaeological Science and Ancient Production Research
- History and Cultural Heritage
Eligibility / Qualifications
Eligibility Criteria for Postdoctoral Archaeology Position in Italy at the University of Catania: Required qualifications include:
- Researchers at career stages R1, R2, R3 or R4.
- Eligibility for applicants residing in European countries.
- Eligibility for applicants holding European nationality.
- Applicants meeting the institutional eligibility requirements.
- Relevant academic background in archaeology or history, where applicable.
Key Responsibilities
The successful researcher will:
- Reconstruct ancient food production practices using archaeological evidence.
- Investigate historical tool production techniques through scientific analyses.
- Analyse production sites excavated at Tell Muhammad since 2022.
- Compare archaeological evidence with sites from the third and second millennia BC.
- Contribute to exhibition panels for the future archaeological park.
- Support archaeological research undertaken by the Italian archaeological mission.
Application Process
Applicants should complete the official application before the published closing date using the University of Catania application system. All supporting documents requested within the official vacancy notice should be included.
Required documents include:
- Completed online application
- Supporting documentation requested by the University
- Additional documents specified in the official vacancy announcement
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 23 June 2026
- Application Deadline: 13 July 2026, 23:59 (UTC)
- Interview Period: TBC
Interested in archaeology research? Submit your application before the deadline and contribute to an international research project in Italy.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Archaeology Research Jobs
- Cultural Heritage Research Jobs
- Academic Research Positions in Italy
- Postdoctoral Positions for PhD Graduates
- International Academic Jobs for Early-Career Scholars
Institutional Overview
The University of Catania is a public research university in Italy with a strong academic focus on archaeology, history, and cultural heritage studies. It supports interdisciplinary research through fieldwork, scientific analysis, and international collaboration across Europe and the Mediterranean region. Researchers contribute to evidence-based studies of ancient societies using archaeological data and comparative historical methods. The university provides structured academic environments for postdoctoral researchers working in archaeological science and heritage studies. Its research activity supports long-term projects that examine cultural development and material production in ancient civilisations.
For more archaeology research jobs, academic jobs in Italy, and international research opportunities, explore related vacancies available on HigherJobz.
