The National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) is inviting applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in South and Central Asian medieval art history based in Aix-en-Provence, France. Applications are open until 29 June 2026 for researchers holding a PhD and interested in medieval art, archaeology, and historical studies across South Asia and Central Asia.
The fellowship is hosted by the Laboratoire d’Archéologie Médiévale et Moderne en Méditerranée (La3M) within the ARKAIA Institute of Archaeology at Aix-Marseille University. The successful candidate will contribute to the research programme The Indo-Persian Continuum, ca. 11th–17th Centuries, which examines artistic and architectural works across interconnected regions of South and Central Asia.
Building upon this research framework, the postdoctoral researcher will conduct archival and library-based investigations in France and elsewhere in Europe. Responsibilities include data collection, creation of photographic databases, monitoring scholarly literature, and supporting specialised research collections relevant to medieval art history and archaeology.
In addition, the position includes annual fieldwork activities in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan. The researcher will work with the project team to document monuments, record historical objects, and contribute to research outputs including academic articles and scholarly monographs.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Fellowship in South and Central Asian Medieval Art History
- Institution: CNRS, France
- Department: Laboratoire d’Archéologie Médiévale et Moderne en Méditerranée (La3M)
- Research Disciplines: Medieval Art History, History, Archaeology, Medieval History
- Location: Aix-en-Provence, France
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Contract Duration: Temporary
- Start Date: September 2026
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Salary/Funding: Not Specified
- Required Qualification: PhD or equivalent
Research Area
- Medieval Art History
- South Asian Art History
- Central Asian Art History
- Archaeology
- Medieval History
- Architectural History
- Indo-Persian Studies
- Cultural Heritage Documentation
Eligibility / Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline
- One to four years of research experience
- Basic proficiency in French
- Intermediate proficiency in Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, or Indian vernacular languages
- Experience conducting research in medieval art history, archaeology, or related fields
- Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel
- Experience managing photographic databases
- Ability to conduct archival, library, and field-based research
- Experience documenting historical objects, monuments, or cultural heritage materials
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct research in South and Central Asian medieval art history
- Study artistic and architectural works within archives and research libraries
- Collect and organise research data and photographic records
- Create and maintain photographic databases
- Monitor academic literature and support specialised research collections
- Document monuments and historical objects during fieldwork activities
Application Process
Applications should be submitted through the official CNRS recruitment system before the stated deadline. Candidates should ensure that all required documentation is prepared and submitted according to institutional requirements.
Required documents include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
- PhD Degree Certificate
- List of Publications
- Academic References
- Additional supporting documents requested by CNRS
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 9 June 2026
- Application Deadline: 29 June 2026, 23:59 (UTC)
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: September 2026
Eligible candidates should submit their applications through the CNRS recruitment portal before 29 June 2026 (23:59 UTC).
Related Academic Opportunities
- History Academic Jobs and Fellowships
- Medieval History Research Jobs
- France Academic Research Jobs
- European Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Archaeology and Heritage Research Careers
Institutional Overview
CNRS is France’s national research organisation and supports research across a broad range of academic disciplines. This fellowship is based within the Laboratoire d’Archéologie Médiévale et Moderne en Méditerranée in Aix-en-Provence and contributes to ongoing research in medieval art history, archaeology, South Asian studies, Central Asian studies, and Indo-Persian cultural history. The host environment provides specialised research collections, archival resources, and digital infrastructure supporting advanced historical research.
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