The University of Bari Aldo Moro in Italy is inviting applications for a two-year research contract in prehistoric archaeology. The position forms part of the PN RIC 2021–2027 funded project “Archeologia dei paesaggi preistorici della Puglia”, focusing on the archaeological reconstruction and interpretation of prehistoric landscapes in Puglia.
The successful researcher will join the Department of Research and Innovation in Humanities and contribute to an interdisciplinary programme focused on prehistoric landscapes. The research combines archaeological evidence with historical sources, archival cartography, aerial imagery and advanced monitoring technologies, including artificial intelligence. It examines how environmental processes and human activity have shaped the landscape over long periods.
The research programme includes TRACE (Territorial Reconstruction & Archival Cartography Engine), which aims to reconstruct selected areas of the Puglian landscape through the integrated analysis of historical maps, archival aerial imagery and archaeological data. Particular attention will be given to prehistoric evidence that can be difficult to identify and vulnerable to environmental change.
The contract is offered through a competitive selection based on qualifications and interview. Applicants must normally hold a PhD or equivalent foreign qualification, although candidates in the third year of a doctoral programme may also apply if they are expected to complete the degree within six months of the call’s publication.
Position Details
- Position: Researcher in Prehistoric Archaeology
- Official Reference Number: 2026.CTR.24
- Institution: University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy
- Department: Department of Research and Innovation in Humanities
- Research Discipline(s): Prehistory and Protohistory; Landscape Archaeology
- Location: Bari, Italy
- Contract Duration: 24 months
- Start Date: Not specified in the official call
- Working Hours: Not specified in the official call
- Salary: €28,456.48 gross per year
- Required Qualification: PhD or equivalent foreign qualification
Research Areas
- Prehistoric Archaeology
- Protohistory
- Landscape Archaeology
- Archaeological landscape reconstruction
- Historical cartography
- Archival aerial imagery
- Archaeological data analysis
- Environmental change and archaeological evidence
- Artificial intelligence applied within the project framework
- Historical landscapes of Puglia
Eligibility/Qualifications
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements specified in the official selection procedure. Key requirements include:
- A PhD or equivalent qualification obtained abroad.
- Candidates enrolled in the third year of a PhD may also apply if they are expected to obtain the qualification within six months following publication of the call.
- For relevant fields, a medical specialisation qualification may satisfy the academic requirement.
- Candidates must have civil and political rights.
- Candidates must meet the physical fitness requirement for employment.
- Candidates holding foreign qualifications must provide the required documentation concerning recognition of the qualification or the relevant recognition application.
- Applicants must satisfy the other conditions and exclusions specified under Article 2 of the official call.
Salary and Funding
The successful candidate will receive a gross annual salary of €28,456.48 throughout the two-year research contract.
The position is funded through the PN RIC 2021–2027 project “Archeologia dei paesaggi preistorici della Puglia”, with Professor Giuliano Volpe as the scientific coordinator.
The contract is a fixed-term research employment contract under Article 22 of Italian Law 240/2010. The contract itself does not create an entitlement to appointment to a permanent university position.
Key Responsibilities
The successful researcher will:
- Contribute to the research project “Archeologia dei paesaggi preistorici della Puglia”.
- Undertake archaeological reconstruction of selected Puglian landscapes.
- Contribute to the TRACE Territorial Reconstruction & Archival Cartography Engine activity.
- Analyse and integrate cartographic sources, archival aerial imagery and archaeological data.
- Give particular attention to prehistoric archaeological evidence and its relationship with environmental processes and climate change.
Application Process
Submit applications exclusively online through the PICA platform of the University of Bari Aldo Moro. Candidates must use the competition code 2026.CTR.24 when completing the application.
Required documents include:
- Dated and signed curriculum vitae.
- Documentation proving the required qualification or the permitted substitute declaration.
- Dated and signed numbered list of relevant publications.
- Relevant titles and publications.
- Valid identity document.
- Tax identification document where required.
- Additional documentation required for foreign qualifications, where applicable.
Important Dates
- Call Publication Date: 3 September 2026
- Application Deadline: 22 September 2026, 23:55
Related Academic Opportunities
- Italian University Research Positions
- Prehistoric Archaeology Research Opportunities
- Postdoctoral Research Opportunities
- Archaeology Research Positions
- Global Academic Opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the research position at the University of Bari?
It is a two-year research contract focused on the project “Archeologia dei paesaggi preistorici della Puglia”.
What is the main research area?
The position is within Prehistory and Protohistory, with a research focus on the archaeology and reconstruction of prehistoric landscapes in Puglia.
How many positions are available?
The call provides for one research contract.
What qualification is required?
Applicants normally need a PhD or equivalent foreign qualification. Third-year doctoral candidates may also apply if they are expected to complete their degree within six months following publication of the call.
What is the salary?
The contract provides a gross annual salary of €28,456.48.
How are candidates selected?
Selection is based on qualifications and an interview. The assessment comprises 50 points for qualifications and 50 points for the interview, with a minimum total of 45 points required for inclusion in the merit ranking.
Institutional Overview
The University of Bari Aldo Moro is a public university located in Bari, Apulia, Italy, founded in 1925. Its institutional activities cover teaching, research and public engagement across a broad range of academic disciplines. The university organises its academic and research activities through departments and dedicated research structures, supporting interdisciplinary collaboration. The Department of Research and Innovation in Humanities, based in Bari, covers humanities including history, linguistics, literature, art, archaeology and philosophy, while encouraging connections with scientific and technological fields. Its research profile includes archaeological, historical, architectural and landscape heritage, with areas such as digital archaeology, bioarchaeology, archaeometry and landscape archaeology represented in its doctoral research.
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