About the Position
The CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research is inviting applications for a Researcher / Project Director in Ceramology and Archaeometry to lead an ambitious, long-term project within UMR 5138 “Archéologie et Archéométrie” in Lyon. This full-time role focuses on the diachronic study of ceramics from the oases of AlUla and Khaybar in Northwest Arabia, covering periods from the late 5th–early 4th millennium BCE to the end of the 1st millennium BCE. The researcher will direct a multidisciplinary project involving ceramic analysis, archaeometry, experimental archaeology, and database development, while collaborating with teams in France and Saudi Arabia. The position combines scientific leadership, fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and international research coordination, contributing directly to a major regional reference framework in Northwest Arabian archaeology.
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Position/Job Details
- Position: Researcher / Project Director
- Institution: CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research
- Department: UMR 5138 “Archéologie et Archéométrie”
- Research Field: Ceramology, Archaeometry, Archaeology
- Location: Lyon, France
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Temporary
- Start Date (Anticipated): January 2026
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Salary Range: Not mentioned
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Ceramology
- Archaeometry
- Ancient ceramics of Northwest Arabia
- Chrono-typology and chaîne opératoire analysis
- Experimental archaeology
- Petrography, geochemistry, XRD, 3D imaging
- Ceramic database development
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Archaeology with a specialisation in ceramology and archaeometry
- Minimum two years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience
- Strong knowledge of Northwest Arabian archaeological contexts
- Advanced skills in ceramic analysis and archaeometric methods
- Excellent written and spoken English (C1 level)
- Ability to work in multicultural, multilingual environments
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in Saudi Arabian or comparable regional fieldwork
- Basic French and Arabic language skills
- Strong organisational and project management abilities
- Experience supervising students, researchers, and engineers
- Demonstrated publication record and report-writing skills
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the research project and coordinating a multidisciplinary team
- Managing scientific, administrative, and logistical operations
- Conducting and supervising ceramic documentation across multiple archaeological sites
- Planning and performing ceramic and clay sampling campaigns
- Overseeing export procedures for laboratory analysis
- Conducting petrographic, geochemical, mineralogical, and 3D imaging analyses
- Developing a comprehensive interactive ceramic database
- Creating chrono-typologies for ceramics spanning over four millennia
- Conducting clay surveys with geoarchaeology teams
- Leading the experimental archaeology component with ceramists and ethnoarchaeologists
- Contributing to publications, conferences, and heritage outreach
- Training Master’s students in ceramology of Northwest Arabia
Application Process
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their application through the official CNRS recruitment portal. Follow all platform instructions and ensure accurate completion of the online form.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts (if required)
- Proof of degree (PhD)
- List of publications
- Any additional documents requested on the CNRS portal
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 1 December 2025
- Deadline: 22 December 2025 (23:59 UTC)
- Interview Date: Not mentioned
Useful Links
- Institution Website: CNRS
- Official Notification Link: Click here
- Apply Now: click here
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