Postdoctoral Research in 3D Cultural Heritage

The University of Bologna, Italy, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Position in 3D Cultural Heritage Digitisation and Photogrammetry in the Department of Architecture. The position is part of the project “3D Digitisation of Historical and Artistic Heritage: Structured Approaches Through Photogrammetry”, which focuses on developing and evaluating methods for creating accurate digital representations of historical and artistic heritage.

The opportunity is relevant to researchers working in 3D modelling, photogrammetry, digital cultural heritage, architecture and archaeological documentation. The project explores methodological and practical approaches to using virtual technologies for cultural heritage digitisation, covering architecture, archaeology, art objects, paintings and drawings.

The selected researcher will contribute to developing digital representations using different approaches, including explicit geometry, two-dimensional mapping and physical-optical modelling. The project emphasises measurable technical quality, traceability and transparency in digital transformation processes.

Position Details

Position: Postdoctoral Research Contract
Research Topic: 3D Digitisation of Historical and Artistic Heritage: Structured Approaches through Photogrammetry
Institution: Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna
Department: Department of Architecture
Location: Bologna, Italy
Reference Code: PICA incarichipd2026-70
Contract Duration: 12 months
Gross Annual Remuneration: €29,162
Research Activity Reference: 1,720 hours per year for activity reporting
Teaching Support: 100 hours annually
Supervisor: Professor Luca Cipriani
Application Deadline: 26 October 2026, 12:00 noon (Italian time)

Research Areas

3D digitisation of cultural heritage
Photogrammetry and 3D modelling
Architectural and archaeological documentation
Digital representation of historical and artistic heritage
Virtual technologies for cultural heritage
Geometric modelling, 2D mapping and physical-optical modelling

Eligibility and Qualifications

Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent qualification, obtained in Italy or abroad, by the application deadline. Candidates with foreign qualifications should consult the official call for the applicable recognition procedures and documentation requirements.

Certain restrictions apply to applicants with specific employment statuses, previous research contracts or family relationships with designated university officials. Foreign applicants must also meet the relevant requirements specified in the call, including Italian-language proficiency where applicable.

Applicants should review the official call for applications for full eligibility conditions and exceptions.

Key Responsibilities

The selected researcher will be expected to:

Develop and apply methods for 3D modelling and photogrammetric digitisation.
Investigate digital representation techniques, including explicit geometry, 2D mapping and physical-optical modelling.
Assess the quality, reliability and traceability of digital documentation.
Contribute to research dissemination, including activities with museums and cultural institutions, exhibitions and public presentations.
Support supplementary teaching and student services for 100 hours annually.
Produce research outputs, including at least one scientific journal paper and at least two conference or conference-proceedings contributions during the contract, in accordance with the call’s requirements.

Salary and Contract

The selected candidate will receive a gross annual remuneration of €29,162 under a 12-month fixed-term subordinate employment contract. The position also includes 100 hours of annual supplementary teaching and student-service activities.

The research activity reporting reference is 1,720 hours per year. Applicants should consult the official call for the complete contractual terms and conditions.

Important Dates

Call date: 7 October 2026
Deadline: 26 October 2026, 12:00 noon Italian time

The university will publish the interview date and time with at least 15 days’ notice on its official postdoctoral research calls page.

Application Process

Apply online through the University of Bologna’s PICA portal. Complete and submit the application form before the deadline.

Required Documents

Valid identity document (maximum 10 MB).
Curriculum vitae (maximum 10 MB).
Complete list of publications with bibliographic details.
Supporting documents for qualifications, research experience, training, awards or other relevant achievements, where applicable.

For full details, please refer to the official call for applications.

View & Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

What research outputs are expected during the appointment?
The call specifies at least one qualifying scientific journal paper, including an ANVUR Class A paper where applicable, and at least two conference or conference-proceedings contributions during the contract.

Will the postdoctoral researcher have teaching responsibilities?
Yes. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to supplementary teaching and student assistance for a total of 100 hours per year.

Who will supervise the research?
The research will be conducted under the supervision of Professor Luca Cipriani, appointed as the scientific supervisor by the Department of Architecture.

How will the interview be conducted?
The interview will be held online and publicly through Microsoft Teams. Candidates must have a webcam, microphone and speakers or headphones, and attend with an appropriate identity document.

How will candidates be assessed?
Selection consists of a preliminary assessment of qualifications worth up to 60 points and an interview worth up to 40 points. Candidates must score at least 40/60 in the preliminary assessment to qualify for the interview and 28/40 to pass the interview. Publications, recent research activity and other relevant academic contributions will be evaluated.