About Position/Job
CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research, France, is inviting applications for a full-time Researcher (R1) position titled “Researcher in Biomolecular Archaeology, Lipidomics, and African Archaeology” within the department Cultures et environnements: Préhistoire, Antiquité, Moyen-Age. This role is part of the RainForStory research project, funded by the French National Research Agency, which investigates the emergence and spread of agriculture in the tropical forests of the Congo Basin.
The researcher will develop reference databases of plant and animal substances exploited in ancient West Africa, analyse lipid and starch residues preserved in archaeological ceramics, and establish analytical protocols for starch detection. The project integrates archaeology, biomolecular science, lipidomics, environmental science, and anthropology, combining laboratory analysis with fieldwork in Africa and international collaboration. The position is based in Nice, France, with work conducted across CNRS laboratories and African field sites.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Researcher (R1)
- Institution: CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research
- Department: Cultures et environnements : Préhistoire, Antiquité, Moyen-Age
- Research Field: Biomolecular Archaeology, Lipidomics, African Archaeology
- Location: Nice, France
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Temporary Research Contract
- Start Date (Anticipated): March 2026
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Salary Range: Not specified
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Biomolecular Archaeology
- Lipidomics and Organic Residue Analysis
- African Archaeology
- Environmental Archaeology
- Ceramic Use and Function
- Early Agriculture in Tropical Africa
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD or equivalent in History, Anthropology, Environmental Science, or related fields
- Laboratory experience with organic archaeological samples
- Fluent in written and spoken English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Interdisciplinary research background
- Knowledge of lipidomics and molecular analysis
- Experience in archaeological or ethnoarchaeological fieldwork in West Africa
- Interest in botany and starch grain identification
- Basic knowledge of French
Key Responsibilities
- Develop reference databases of ancient plant and animal substances
- Analyse lipids and starch preserved in archaeological ceramics
- Prepare and process samples using separation and structural methods
- Interpret and statistically analyse molecular data
- Conduct field sampling missions in Africa
- Publish results in international peer-reviewed journals
- Present findings at seminars and conferences
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the CNRS recruitment portal.
Required Documents:
- Online application form
- Academic CV
- Supporting documents as requested in the official call
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 22 December 2025
- Deadline: 12 January 2026 (23:59 UTC)
- Interview Date: Not specified
Useful Links
- Institution Website: CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research, France
- Official Notification Link: click here
- Apply now: click here
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