Sapienza Università di Roma is offering a 24-month opportunity for a Prehistoric Archaeology Researcher in Rome, Italy, focusing on prehistoric therapeutic practices. The researcher will work in the Department of Odontostomatological and Maxillofacial Sciences within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. The FIS 3 PreMED project supports the research activities.
The research focuses on material culture associated with therapeutic and healing practices in prehistoric European societies, particularly Mesolithic and Neolithic contexts. The project, titled PreMED – Medicinal Practices and Ecological Knowledge in Prehistoric Societies of Europe, receives funding from the Italian Science Fund and falls within the scientific-disciplinary area of Prehistory and Archaeology.
In particular, the researcher will investigate lithic and osseous artefacts through techno-functional and use-wear analyses, alongside organic residue analysis and experimental archaeology. The work will also involve experimental reference collections, archaeological and bioarchaeological datasets, and analytical methods including SEM-EDX, FTIR and palaeoproteomic approaches.
The applicants must hold a PhD in Archaeology or an equivalent qualification. Eligible third-year doctoral candidates may also apply where they expect to obtain their degree within six months of the call’s publication. Applicants also need relevant experience in prehistoric lithic industries, use-wear analysis, microscopy, archaeological excavation and post-excavation research, together with excellent English proficiency.
Position Details
- Position: Research Contract in Prehistoric Archaeology
- Official Reference Number: CDR 3/2026
- Institution: Sapienza Università di Roma, Italy
- Department: Department of Odontostomatological and Maxillofacial Sciences
- Faculty: Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
- Research Discipline(s): Archaeology; Prehistory; Prehistoric Archaeology
- Location: Rome, Italy
- Job Type: Research Contract
- Contract Duration: 24 months
- Salary/Funding: €27,990.98 gross per year; FIS 3 PreMED project
- Required Qualification: PhD in Archaeology or equivalent qualification
Research Areas
The research project covers the following areas:
- Prehistoric Archaeology: Mesolithic and Neolithic archaeology; prehistoric therapeutic practices and material culture
- Artefact Analysis: Lithic industries; osseous artefacts; techno-functional and use-wear analysis
- Archaeological Science: Organic residue analysis; biomolecular analysis; palaeoproteomics
- Experimental & Bioarchaeology: Experimental archaeology and bioarchaeological research
Eligibility/ Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- A PhD in Archaeology or an equivalent qualification.
- Candidates in the third year of a PhD may also participate where the research programme and funding rules permit, provided the degree is expected within six months of the call’s publication.
- A Master’s degree in Archaeology, with a curriculum in Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology, or an equivalent qualification.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Art History and Archaeology, Cultural Heritage, Anthropology or related disciplines.
- Proven experience studying prehistoric lithic industries, particularly techno-functional and use-wear analysis.
- Documented research experience in Palaeolithic, Mesolithic or Neolithic archaeological contexts.
- Experience in microscopic analysis of lithic artefacts and archaeological excavation, material study and post-excavation research.
- Excellent knowledge of English.
Salary and Benefits
The Research Contract provides a gross annual salary of €27,990.98, paid in monthly instalments. The amount is subject to applicable tax and social-security regulations and is not indexed or revalued.
The contract includes insurance coverage for occupational accidents and occupational diseases, as well as civil liability coverage.
Key Responsibilities
The top research responsibilities include:
- Analyse lithic and osseous artefacts using techno-functional and use-wear approaches.
- Investigate organic residues associated with prehistoric therapeutic practices.
- Develop experimental reference collections for interpreting use-wear traces and residues.
- Apply SEM-EDX, FTIR and palaeoproteomic approaches to organic and biomolecular residues.
- Integrate archaeological and bioarchaeological evidence within the PreMED research framework.
- Investigate the role of tools, technologies and substances in prehistoric therapeutic practices.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted electronically through the designated X-UP system, following the instructions provided in the official call.
The application must include:
- Signed copy of a valid identity document.
- Scientific-professional curriculum vitae, dated and signed.
- Self-certification concerning the qualifications and information provided in the application and CV.
- Research project proposal, dated and signed.
- Numbered list of the most significant publications submitted for assessment.
- Other qualifications considered relevant to the selection.
- Up to two publications submitted for evaluation.
- A version of the CV prepared for publication without unnecessary personal data.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 9 September 2026
- Application Deadline: 9 October 2026, 23:59
- Interview Period: To be determined by the selection committee
Click the button below to view the complete vacancy information, eligibility criteria and application instructions.
Related Academic Opportunities
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Frequently Asked Questions
What type of research position is this?
It is a 24-month Research Contract at Sapienza Università di Roma under the FIS 3 PreMED project.
What is the main research focus?
The research investigates material evidence of therapeutic and healing practices in prehistoric European societies, particularly Mesolithic and Neolithic contexts.
What qualification is required?
Applicants must hold a PhD in Archaeology or an equivalent qualification. The call also lists specific Master’s and Bachelor’s qualifications.
Can current PhD students apply?
Third-year PhD candidates may apply where permitted by the programme and funding rules, provided their degree is expected within six months of the call’s publication.
What salary does the Research Contract provide?
The gross annual amount is €27,990.98, paid in monthly instalments.
What research experience is required?
Applicants need relevant experience in prehistoric lithic industries, techno-functional and use-wear analysis, microscopy, archaeological excavation and post-excavation research, as well as excellent English proficiency.
Institutional Overview
Sapienza Università di Roma is a public university in Rome, Italy, with a broad range of academic and research disciplines. The university is organised into 11 faculties and 58 departments, supporting teaching and research across the humanities, sciences, medicine, engineering and other fields. Its Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry includes the Department of Odontostomatological and Maxillofacial Sciences, where this research contract is based. Sapienza supports research through its departments, laboratories, research groups and dedicated research infrastructure. The university also offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes across its academic faculties. Its research activities cover both individual disciplines and areas that require collaboration across fields, providing an academic setting for research in archaeology and prehistoric studies.
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