PhD in Faunal 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 investigates the socio-economic roles of organic materials—specifically faunal materials such as leather, bone, antler, and teeth—in the 2nd millennium BCE East Mediterranean, with a focus on Aegean and Egyptian contexts. The research aims to reconstruct production and usage workflows of these materials, combining iconographic, textual, ethnographic, experimental, and scientific archaeological methods, including 3D modelling and microscopy. The project is supervised by Prof. Dr. Ann Brysbaert and Prof. Dr. I. Schoep and is funded by an FWO ODYSSEUS Type I Grant.

As a PhD candidate, you will be part of a vibrant, international research community at the KU Leuven Faculty of Arts, working closely with a team of PhDs and postdocs in the Archaeology Research Unit. Your responsibilities include documenting and analysing faunal materials and objects from various data sources, presenting research at conferences, publishing results, and participating in project meetings and workshops. The project will result in joint conference papers, a handbook chapter, a PhD thesis (or equivalent co-published papers), and an open-access database. Limited teaching and minor administrative duties are also expected.

Applicants must hold BA/BSc. and MA/MSc. degrees in archaeology, with a focus on East Mediterranean and/or Aegean Bronze/Iron Age Archaeology. A strong interest in prehistoric organic material culture and landscape studies, excellent English skills, and proficiency with databases and statistical tools are required. The MA/MSc. thesis should demonstrate strong research skills and a minimum grade of 7.5/10 or equivalent. Willingness to travel between Belgium and Greece and to stay in Greece for research is essential. Knowledge of modern Greek is a plus, or a commitment to learn it is expected. Additional desirable qualifications include specialisation in archaeozoology, experience with museums or excavation depots, microscopy, use-wear analysis, other modern languages, relevant publications, and a valid European driving license.

The position is full-time (1.0 fte, 38 hours/week), with an initial one-year contract extendable to four years upon positive evaluation. The net salary is equivalent to that of an Assistant (barema 43), and you are legally required to reside in Belgium. The application deadline is April 30, 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Ann Brysbaert ([email protected]) or Prof. Dr. I. Schoep ([email protected]).

To apply, prepare a single PDF including your CV, research proposal, cover letter, major writing sample, academic transcripts, and contact details for three referees. Submit your application via the KU Leuven job portal. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in June 2026. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.