The Department of Archaeology at Ghent University is offering a full-time, four-year PhD position in geoarchaeology as part of the ERC-funded project FROST: ‘Frozen in time – Unravelling Younger Dryas climate variability, environmental dynamics and their impact on human recolonization in Western Europe’. This research opportunity focuses on investigating human and environmental responses to climate fluctuations during the Younger Dryas period (ca. 12,850 to 11,650 cal BP) in Western Europe.

The successful candidate will refine the chronological framework for Younger Dryas archaeological sites, both cave and open-air, using advanced dating methods such as 14C, OSL, and cryptotephra analysis. The project also involves reconstructing landscape dynamics and post-depositional processes at archaeological sites through field observations and sedimentological and soil-based laboratory analyses, including grain-size analysis, magnetic susceptibility, loss-on-ignition, and micromorphology. These research activities aim to clarify the environmental context of site use and abandonment and provide robust sampling strategies for chronological analyses.

Key research questions include whether there was a significant population decline in newly recolonized Western Europe during the early Younger Dryas, followed by a resurgence in its later phase; whether changes in settlement patterns and population dynamics were related to shifting environmental conditions; and whether the timing and amplitude of human and environmental responses varied geographically, potentially linked to a NW-SE temperature gradient.

The doctoral fellow will conduct scientific research with the goal of obtaining a PhD, prepare and submit research results for publication in peer-reviewed journals, perform fieldwork to collect samples, conduct laboratory analyses (with support from a lab technician), and contribute to teaching and research activities within the department. The candidate will be embedded in an interdisciplinary ERC team, collaborating closely with researchers from complementary fields to achieve the project’s objectives.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in archaeology, geology, earth sciences, soil science, or a related field, and demonstrate training in geoarchaeology with experience in sedimentological and stratigraphic fieldwork. Experience in computational data analysis and quantitative modelling (e.g., R), and laboratory techniques such as granulometry, magnetic susceptibility, loss-on-ignition, micromorphology, cryptotephra analysis, and OSL is advantageous. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required, and knowledge of French and/or Dutch is strongly recommended. Candidates should be willing to work internationally, able to work independently and collaboratively, manage deadlines, and demonstrate strong organizational skills and academic potential.

The position offers a full-time doctoral fellowship for up to 48 months, with salary at 100% of the net AAP member salary, determined by family status and seniority. The grant is tax-free and includes additional staff benefits such as training opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers. The contract will start on 01/04/2026 at the earliest. Ghent University is committed to equal opportunities and diversity, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.

Applications should be sent by email to Prof. Dr. Possum Pincé ([email protected]), including a motivation letter, CV, contact details of two referees, and a copy of your Master’s diploma (or expected graduation date). Interviews are expected to take place in mid-March 2026. For more information, contact Prof. Dr. Possum Pincé.