About the PhD Position
Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) invites applications for a fully funded PhD researcher position in Near Eastern and Arabian Archaeology at the Institut des civilisations, arts et lettres (INCAL), located in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. This doctoral opportunity focuses on Ancient Near Eastern archaeology, cultural studies, and Iron Age Gulf history. Moreover, it contributes to advanced interdisciplinary research on desert mobility, logistics, and technological innovation between 900–539 BC.
The successful candidate will join the Oriental Institute (CIOL), engaging in independent and collaborative research under the supervision of Prof. Elynn Gorris. In addition, the project combines Assyriology, Arabian archaeology, art history, topography, and digital humanities. Access to strong academic networks, fieldwork opportunities, and research collaboration ensures a highly supportive environment for producing impactful PhD research and publications.
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Near Eastern cultures, Arabian archaeology, or a related discipline. Strong knowledge of Iron Age Gulf archaeology is required, while experience in digital archaeology, Akkadian, or Old North Arabian is considered an advantage. Furthermore, excellent English and/or French academic writing skills are essential for successful completion of the doctoral dissertation.
This is a full-time, fully funded PhD scholarship for 24 months, renewable once, starting September 2026. Importantly, it offers travel funding for international conferences, interdisciplinary training, and integration into a dynamic European research environment. Consequently, candidates gain strong academic exposure and career development opportunities in global archaeology and Middle Eastern studies.
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Position Details
- Position: Fully Funded PhD / Doctoral Researcher in Near Eastern & Arabian Archaeology
- Position type: Full-time doctoral scholarship (R1 level)
- Institution: Université catholique de Louvain (Catholic University of Louvain (UCLouvain)), Belgium
- Department: Institut des civilisations, arts et lettres (INCAL)
- Research Group: Centre d’études orientalistes (CIOL)
- Supervisor: Prof. Elynn Gorris
- Location: Louvain-la-Neuve
- Country: Belgium
- Duration: 2 years (renewable once; up to 4 years total doctoral trajectory)
- Start Date: September 2026
- Funding: Fully funded doctoral scholarship (tax-free stipend with social security contributions)
- Employment Type: Full-time research position
- Number of Positions: 1
- Required Degree / Diploma: Master’s degree in relevant field
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Research Area
- Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology
- Arabian Peninsula Archaeology
- Iron Age Gulf Studies
- Assyriology and Ancient Logistics
- Military and Commercial Mobility Studies
- Digital Humanities in Archaeology
- Cross-cultural Technological Exchange
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Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Near Eastern / Arabian archaeology or related discipline
- Strong knowledge of Iron Age Gulf region archaeology
- Ability to write a dissertation in English and/or French
- Interest in interdisciplinary archaeological research
Preferred Qualifications:
- Excavation experience in the Arabian Peninsula or the Middle East
- Knowledge of Akkadian and/or Old North Arabian
- Experience with digital/computational archaeology
- Academic reading ability in German and Arabic
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Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent PhD research under supervision
- Collaborate with international research teams
- Present findings at conferences across Europe, the USA, and the Middle East
- Participate in fieldwork (if available)
- Contribute to project administration and academic activities
Application Process
Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file via email. Candidates must also ensure referee letters are sent directly to the supervisor email before the deadline.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Statement of purpose (max 2,000 words)
- Master’s thesis summary (1 page)
- Writing sample (max 10 pages)
- Contact details of two referees
Important Dates
- Application open: Already open
- Application Deadline: 31 May 2026 (12:00 CET)
- Interviews: Mid-June 2026
- Expected Start Date: September 2026
Where to Apply
- University / Institute Website: Catholic University of Leuven | Catholic University of Louvain
- Official Job Announcement: Job Fully Funded PhD in Near Eastern / Arabian Archaeology
- Application Submission: elynn.gorris@uclouvain.be
Contact for Queries
Email: elynn.gorris@uclouvain.be
This PhD scholarship offers an excellent opportunity for international scholars seeking fully funded research support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advanced archaeological training at Université catholique de Louvain in Belgium.
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