About the Position
The University of Bordeaux invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Prehistoric Archaeology under the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant Project EXOSTECH – “Revealing the functions of Pleistocene Expedient Osseous Technology with an innovative approach that integrates tribology with AI.” This two-year, full-time position, beginning January 2026, will be based within the renowned PACEA (UMR 5199) research unit. Supervised by Dr Luc Doyon, the project investigates how early human populations used and developed bone tools between 1.8 million and 60 thousand years ago across Europe, Africa, and Asia. The role offers a unique opportunity to combine archaeology, artificial intelligence, and tribological analysis, contributing to the understanding of human cognitive and cultural evolution.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher in Archaeology
- Institution: University of Bordeaux
- Department: UMR5199 PACEA (De la Préhistoire à l’Actuel: Culture, Environnement et Anthropologie)
- Research Field: Prehistoric Archaeology / Palaeolithic Studies
- Location: Pessac, Gironde, France
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (24 months)
- Start Date (Anticipated): January 2026
- Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
- Salary Range: €2,750 – €3,090 gross per month
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Prehistoric Archaeology
- Palaeontology and Taphonomy
- Osseous Technology and Experimental Archaeology
- Artificial Intelligence and Tribological Analysis
- Cultural Evolution and Human Behaviour Studies
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Palaeontology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Palaeoanthropology, or related fields.
- Strong background in archaeozoology, taphonomy, and use-wear analysis of bone tools.
- Excellent written and spoken English (basic knowledge of French desirable).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Expertise in experimental archaeology and neotaphonomic methods.
- Experience with confocal microscopy, multivariate statistical analysis, and image recognition algorithms.
- Familiarity with African Palaeolithic archaeology (Gelasian and Calabrian periods).
- Proven record of scientific publications and teamwork in interdisciplinary environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and conduct experimental and neotaphonomic studies on bone tool wear and preservation.
- Perform microscopic and quantitative analyses using confocal microscopy and AI-based image recognition.
- Contribute to the creation of the ExOsTechBank, an Atlas of Use-Wear on Expedient Osseous Tools.
- Disseminate research findings through publications, conferences, and public engagement initiatives.
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit your application via email to job-ref-ey7vpbphkp@emploi.beetween.com with the required documents.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Brief statement of qualifications and motivation
- Up to three relevant publications
- Contact details of two academic referees
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 9 October 2025
- Deadline: 8 November 2025, 12:00 (Europe/Paris)
- Interview Dates: 3–7 November 2025 (online via videoconference)
Useful Links
- Institution Website: University of Bordeaux
- Official Notification Link: Click here
- Apply Now: email to job-ref-ey7vpbphkp@emploi.beetween.com
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