Postdoctoral Researcher in Archaeology and AI Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is offering a full-time postdoctoral position in Archaeology and AI within the ARCHAI project, an interdisciplinary initiative that brings together the AMGC team (Archaeology, Environmental Changes and Geo-Chemistry) and the FLAIR research group (Federated Labs AI and Robotics).

The project examines how artificial intelligence can support archaeological prospection by treating site discovery as a sequential decision-making problem. It combines archaeological knowledge, geospatial and landscape data, and machine learning methods to develop a simulation environment and reinforcement-learning-based strategies for identifying promising survey locations. The research aims to create transparent, robust, and interpretable tools that balance scientific yield and cost-effectiveness, with planned testing in real field settings such as Turkey, Cyprus, and Flanders.

The postdoctoral researcher will co-coordinate the project and work closely with the VUB team, including Prof. dr. Ralf Vandam and Prof. dr. Pieter Libin. Responsibilities include contributing to the development of a simulator of archaeological search processes, advancing machine learning methods for predictive modelling and site discovery, writing follow-up grant applications, participating in AMGC and FLAIR activities, supporting thesis supervision, publishing research in journals and conferences, and presenting results to academic, policy, and public audiences.

Applicants should hold a PhD in archaeology, computer science/AI, or a related discipline. Experience with computing is expected, preferably with machine learning. The position particularly welcomes researchers who can bridge archaeology and AI, including candidates from an archaeological background eager to develop AI/ML skills, or vice versa. Strong data management, database, and GIS/spatial analysis skills are important, along with a strong scientific track record, grant-writing experience, team spirit, communication skills, and excellent English.

The appointment is based at VUB’s Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus in Elsene/Brussels. VUB describes the project as fully funded and offers a postdoctoral scholarship for 12 months, extendable up to 36 months subject to positive evaluation. The start date is planned for 2027-01-01. The post includes a grant linked to government scales, together with standard VUB employment benefits and flexible working arrangements.

The application deadline is 2026-09-14. Applicants should submit their CV (including two referees), a motivation letter of up to two pages, and a diploma where applicable via jobs.vub.be. Questions about the position can be directed to [email protected].