PhD in Archaeology: Floral Materials and Objects from the 2nd Millennium BCE East Mediterranean (ODYSSEIA Project) KU Leuven in Belgium

The Faculty of Arts at KU Leuven, a leading international research institution, invites applications for a fully funded PhD position within the ODYSSEIA project (Organic Data Yields in Aegean Bronze Age material culture). This multidisciplinary project aims to revise our understanding of human-environment interactions in the 2nd millennium BCE East Mediterranean, focusing on the socio-economic roles of organic materials—especially floral materials and woven objects such as textiles, baskets, sacks, and mats. The research will combine archaeological, iconographic, ethnographic, experimental, and scientific methodologies to reconstruct production workflows and their socio-economic implications.

The successful candidate will join the vibrant Archaeology Research Unit and the AKM Department, working closely with a diverse team of PhDs and postdocs. The project is supervised by Prof. Dr. Ann Brysbaert and Prof. Dr. Ilse Schoep and is funded by an FWO ODYSSEUS Type I Grant. The PhD research will involve documentation and analysis of floral materials and objects from the Aegean and Egypt, using archaeobotanical studies, textual analysis (Linear A & B, Egyptian texts), microscopy, and 3D modelling. Training opportunities include participation in the Faculty of Arts PhD programme and external field schools such as the Leiden Textile Research Centre.

Key responsibilities include conducting independent and collaborative research, presenting at conferences, publishing results, participating in project meetings and workshops, and contributing to teaching and minor administrative tasks. The position requires travel between Belgium and Greece for research purposes. The expected outputs are joint conference papers, a handbook chapter, a PhD thesis (or equivalent co-published papers), and an open-access database.

Applicants must have BA/BSc. and MA/MSc. degrees in archaeology (East Mediterranean/Aegean focus), strong research skills, excellent English, and experience with databases and statistical tools. Desirable qualifications include archaeobotany, museum or excavation experience, microscopy, use-wear analysis, additional languages, and a valid European driving license. The appointment is full-time (38 hours/week), initially for one year with extension up to four years upon positive evaluation. Salary is at the Assistant (barema 43) level, with full social and professional integration in the KU Leuven research community. Applicants are required to reside in Belgium during the appointment.

To apply, submit a single PDF including your CV, research proposal, cover letter, writing sample, transcripts, and referee contacts via the KU Leuven job portal by April 30, 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Ann Brysbaert or Prof. Dr. Ilse Schoep. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in June 2026.