About Position/Job
CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research, France, is recruiting a CDD Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcher in the Archaeology of Northwestern Arabia during the Islamic/Abbasid period. This full-time fixed-term research post is part of the IKAP Project (Islamic Khaybar Archaeological Project), led by Dr S. McPhillips, and runs within the broader programme exploring human occupation and environmental change in the Khaybar Oasis, Saudi Arabia. Based at the Laboratoire d’Archéologie Médiévale et Moderne en Méditerranée (LA3M – UMR 7298) in Aix-en-Provence, the researcher will lead excavations at the Abbasid-period site of Kharāyib al-Sihlah (8th–10th centuries CE). The role combines field archaeology, architectural analysis, artefact study, database documentation, and publication, alongside training French and Saudi students. This internationally collaborative project advances understanding of Islamic archaeology, medieval history, and Arabian Peninsula heritage, aligning strongly with CNRS’s global research mission.
Position/Job Details
- Position: CDD Researcher/Postdoctoral
- Institution: CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research
- Department: Laboratoire d’Archéologie Médiévale et Moderne en Méditerranée (LA3M – UMR 7298)
- Research Field: Archaeology / Medieval History
- Location: Aix-en-Provence, France
- Number of posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term Researcher
- Start Date (Anticipated): March 2026
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Salary Range: As per CNRS research staff scale
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Islamic archaeology of the Arabian Peninsula
- Abbasid-period settlements (8th–10th centuries CE)
- Field excavation and architectural analysis
- Artefact recording and ceramic studies
- Archaeological database documentation
- Heritage research in Saudi Arabia
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Archaeology
- Experience in Islamic archaeology of the Near East or Arabian Peninsula
- Strong knowledge of archaeological recording methods
- Fluency in English (C1 level)
- Arabic language skills (minimum B2)
- Ability to lead field teams in international environments
Preferred Qualifications:
- Fieldwork experience in the Middle East
- Publication record in peer-reviewed journals
- Experience training students in archaeological methods
- Expertise in Abbasid or early Islamic period archaeology
Key Responsibilities
- Lead excavation of the Abbasid-period site Kharāyib al-Sihlah
- Conduct architectural and material culture analysis
- Record findings in a dedicated archaeological database
- Prepare scientific reports and contribute to publications
- Participate in international conferences and seminars
- Train French and Saudi students in ceramics studies
- Support field mission planning and logistics
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official CNRS recruitment portal.
Required Documents
- Academic CV
- Cover letter outlining research experience
- PhD certificate
- Publication list
- References
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 23 Jan 2026
- Deadline: 12 Feb 2026
- Interview Date: To be announced
Useful Links
- Institution Website: MMSH
- Official Notification Link: Click here
- Apply now: Click here
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