Scientific Research Fellowship in Archaeology

About the Fellowship

The University of Algarve invites applications for a Scientific Research Fellowship (BI) under the prestigious ERC Advanced Grant project DISPERSALS – “Dispersals, resilience, and innovation in Late Pleistocene SE Africa.” This interdisciplinary project explores early human migrations and adaptations across East Africa between 100,000 and 20,000 years ago. The fellowship supports research focused on lithic analysis and African Stone Age archaeology, with a significant fieldwork component in Mozambique. Hosted by the renowned ICArEHB – Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behaviour, the position offers close mentorship by Prof. Nuno Bicho and the opportunity to contribute to a high-impact international research team. With a 12-month funding period (renewable once), this fellowship is ideal for candidates intending to pursue a doctoral dissertation on human evolutionary history in Africa. It provides academic training, professional development, and access to world-class archaeological research facilities.

Fellowship Details

Position Title: Scientific Research Fellowship (BI)
Host Institution: University of Algarve
Administering Body / Funding Agency: ERC – European Research Council
Location: Faro, Algarve, Portugal (with fieldwork in Mozambique)
Research Field(s): Archaeology, Human Evolution, African Prehistory
Fellowship Type: Full-time Research Fellowship
Level: Early-career (Pre-doctoral)
Fellowship Duration: 12 months (renewable for another 12 months)
Expected Start Date: September 2025
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Funding/Compensation: €1,309.64/month (monthly maintenance stipend)

Required Degree/Diploma

Master’s degree

Supported Research Fields / Areas

African Stone Age Archaeology
Lithic Analysis
Human Dispersals and Mobility
Late Pleistocene Prehistory
Archaeological Fieldwork in East Africa

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree in Archaeology or a closely related field
Fluency in English (written and spoken)
Previous fieldwork experience in African Stone Age contexts
Practical experience in lithic material analysis

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity with Late Pleistocene East African archaeological sites
Research collaboration experience in interdisciplinary teams
Demonstrated interest in human evolutionary research

Not Eligible:

Candidates without a completed Master’s degree by the application deadline
Candidates already holding a funded PhD position

Fellowship Benefits

Monthly stipend: €1,309.64 for 12 months
Renewable: Possible extension for another 12 months
Fieldwork funding: Travel and research costs covered
Training: Specialised training in lithic analysis and field methodologies
Supervision: Close academic mentoring by Prof. Nuno Bicho
Access: Full access to ICArEHB research facilities and networks

Key Responsibilities

Conduct lithic analysis as part of the DISPERSALS project
Participate in archaeological fieldwork in Mozambique
Develop and initiate a PhD-level research project
Collaborate with international researchers and team members
Attend seminars, training, and project workshops

Application Process

How to Apply:

Send your completed and signed application via email to: nbicho@ualg.pt
Postal submissions must be addressed to the Evaluation Panel Chairperson.
Consent to receive notifications by email must be included.

Required Documents: