Interested in using AI and LiDAR to detect archaeological features hidden beneath vegetation? The University of Udine, Italy, is offering a funded PhD position in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence focused on AI-enhanced LiDAR analysis for archaeological research. Part of the 42nd PhD cycle, the position is funded by Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK).
The research addresses challenges in landscape archaeology, particularly in forests and areas with dense vegetation where archaeological remains can be difficult to see. Airborne LiDAR can reveal micro-topographic features beneath vegetation and support archaeological interpretation. The project sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, LiDAR analysis, GIS and digital archaeology.
Researchers will study archaeological features including earthworks, burial mounds, walls, circular mounds, linear ditches and rectangular foundations. The project will combine LiDAR data, GIS and point cloud processing to support the detection and analysis of these features.
Alongside detection methods, the research will examine explainable AI, transfer learning and domain adaptation. These approaches will help assess whether the methods can work across different geographic regions, vegetation types and LiDAR data densities.
Programme Overview
- Position: PhD / Doctoral Researcher
- Call Reference: D.R. 600/2026 – 42nd PhD Cycle, Selection Period 2
- Institution: Università degli Studi di Udine, Italy
- Department: Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics (DMIF)
- esearch Group: 3DOM, Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK)
- Research Area: Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Duration: 3 years
- Funding: Gross annual scholarship of €19,367
- Required Degree: Master’s degree or equivalent qualification
- Language Requirement: English
Research Focus
The PhD brings together the following research areas:
- Archaeological feature detection
- Airborne LiDAR
- Artificial intelligence
- Computer vision
- GIS
- Point cloud processing
- Deep learning
- Heritage research
Eligibility and Qualifications
Formal Admission Requirements: Applicants should meet the admission requirements stated in the official University of Udine PhD call, including:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification
- English language requirements specified in the PhD call
- Any additional admission requirements stated in the official call
Relevant Research Skills: The research project is particularly suited to candidates with the following skills and interests:
- Proficiency in coding
- Knowledge of GIS environments
- Experience with point cloud processing
- Interest in artificial intelligence and LiDAR-based research
- Interest in archaeological and heritage applications
- Ability to work across computer science and heritage research
- A collaborative approach to interdisciplinary research
Research Responsibilities
The PhD researcher will contribute to the development, testing and evaluation of AI-based approaches for archaeological LiDAR analysis.
- Collect and pre-process airborne LiDAR datasets
- Develop terrain representations and archaeological training data
- Engineer and represent archaeological features for AI applications
- Design 2D and 3D deep learning architectures
- Investigate explainable AI and transfer learning methods
- Validate and benchmark archaeological feature detection results
Funding and Benefits
The official University of Udine call confirms that this research programme has a funded PhD scholarship provided by Fondazione Bruno Kessler.
- €19,367 gross annual scholarship
- 3-year PhD programme
- Maximum six-month optional period abroad
- Funding through Fondazione Bruno Kessler
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the official Università degli Studi di Udine PhD admission process for the 42nd cycle.
Required documents: The supplied vacancy does not list individual application documents. Candidates should consult the official University of Udine call for the required documentation.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This PhD connects several research areas within computer science and archaeological research:
- Artificial intelligence
- LiDAR analysis
- Archaeology
- Heritage research
The project applies computational methods to the identification and analysis of archaeological features beneath vegetation.
Important Dates
- Applications: Open for the second selection period
- Application Deadline: 24 September 2026 at 14:00 Italian time.
Eligible candidates should review the official PhD call below and follow the application instructions before the 24 September 2026 deadline.
Related Academic Opportunities
- PhD Opportunities Worldwide
- Digital Archaeology Research Positions
- Archaeology Academic Opportunities
- Italian University Research Opportunities
- European University Academic Positions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the research focus of this PhD?
The PhD focuses on AI-enhanced LiDAR analysis for detecting archaeological features hidden beneath vegetation.
Is this a funded PhD?
Yes. The research programme has a gross annual scholarship of €19,367.
How long is the PhD?
3 years.
What degree is required?
A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
What is the deadline?
24 September 2026 at 14:00 Italian time.
Institutional Overview
The University of Udine (Università degli Studi di Udine) offers this PhD through its Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics. The doctoral programme in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence is part of the university’s 42nd PhD cycle and includes research supported by partner institutions. This specific research programme is funded by Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) in Trento and focuses on AI and LiDAR methods for archaeological research. The PhD programme has a three-year duration, with research activities carried out through the university and its partner research environment. This structure brings together computer science, artificial intelligence, LiDAR analysis and archaeology within a doctoral research setting.
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