12 PhD Positions in the MSCA Doctoral Network UNVEIL — Unified Nondestructive Evaluation of Historical Artifacts UNVEIL Consortium in France

The UNVEIL Doctoral Network, funded by Horizon Europe MSCA, is offering twelve PhD positions across leading institutions in France, Italy, UK, Germany, Belgium, and Norway. The network’s mission is to revolutionize the diagnostics and preservation of cultural heritage by developing innovative nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques and advanced digital tools for diagnostics, conservation, and public engagement. UNVEIL brings together academic, industrial, and cultural partners to enhance surface and subsurface analysis of multi-layered and 3D artworks using state-of-the-art methods such as terahertz imaging, thermography, ultrasonics, and hyperspectral imaging. The project also integrates and visualizes multimodal NDE data through data fusion, digital twins, and augmented reality, providing a holistic understanding of the condition and structure of historical artifacts.

Each PhD position is linked to a distinct research project, ranging from super-resolution terahertz imaging for layered artworks, thermography for painting stratigraphy, air-coupled ultrasonic tomography, laser ultrasonics for artwork diagnostics, multiscale hyperspectral imaging, data fusion for materials and pigment identification, feature extraction in multimodal NDE data, to digital twins and augmented reality for museum exhibitions. Candidates will benefit from a 36-month full-time employment contract, structured training programs including network-wide schools, workshops, seminars, and transferable skills training. International and intersectoral secondments are planned, offering experience in academia, industry, and museums/restoration centers. Access to real artworks, mock-ups, and state-of-the-art imaging and computation facilities across Europe is provided, along with close supervision and a tailored Career Development Plan (CDP).

Eligibility is governed by MSCA Doctoral Network rules: applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment and must comply with the MSCA mobility rule (not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of the recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment). Researchers of any nationality are eligible. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science, and demonstrate excellent English language skills. Candidates must be eligible to enrol in the doctoral programme of the PhD-awarding institution linked to each position. Selection is based on academic excellence, research experience, and suitability for the project, with shortlisted candidates potentially invited to an interview.

Applications must be submitted to the specific individual position(s) once published. Each advert will provide full details regarding research project objectives, hosting institution, supervision arrangements, secondments, local PhD programme enrolment requirements, and any position-specific eligibility criteria. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult each individual position description carefully before applying. For updates, application instructions, and further information, visit https://unveil-dn.eu/ or contact [email protected].

Successful candidates will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary network, benefit from advanced training, international mobility, and contribute to the preservation and understanding of cultural heritage through cutting-edge research. The positions start on 1 September 2026, with an application deadline of 30 June 2026.