Alka Patel

Two Doctoral Fellowships (3 years) are available at LA3M, Aix-Marseille Université, France, funded by Amidex, for research on the Indo-Persian Continuum (c. 11th–17th Centuries). The fellowships are part of a new research program directed by Professor Alka Patel and based at LA3M within the university’s archaeology institute, ARKAIA, MMSH. The program focuses on all aspects of material culture in Southern Asia, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, with a preference for projects on the Sultanate period (12th–16th centuries). Successful applicants will join a vibrant research environment in Provence, southern France, and benefit from the university’s extensive resources, including specialized libraries, the Archives Nationales d’Outre-Mer, and strong international connections. The program includes two required fieldtrips (one to India and one to Central Asia), a shared workspace, equipment stipend, and travel allowance. Doctoral fellows will be full-time, salaried employees with health benefits, expected to complete and defend their dissertations by 30 June 2029. Theses may be written in either French or English, and there are no citizenship restrictions. Eligibility: Applicants must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field, a proven record of research and productivity, and at least an intermediate level in research languages such as Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, or Indic vernaculars (with certificates/proof required). Familiarity with relevant software (MS Word, Excel, photo database management) is expected. The selection process values well-defined PhD projects, especially those related to the Sultanate period. Application Process: Submit a two-page letter of interest, a PhD prospectus (5000 words) with chapter breakdown, CV, proof of undergraduate and MA degrees, language certificates/transcripts, and contact details for three recommenders. Applications should be sent to [email protected] by 10 January 2026 . Finalist interviews will be held in early February, with offers made by the end of February 2026. For queries, contact Professor Alka Patel at [email protected] . About Aix-Marseille Université: AMU is one of Europe’s leading universities, with over 100 research units and a strong record of international collaboration. The LA3M and AMU maintain partnerships with museums, universities, and institutes across Europe and Asia. The university’s EURAXESS Center provides support for international researchers regarding visas, insurance, accommodation, and other practical matters. For more information and to apply, visit the application portal .

Aix-Marseille Université (AMU) is offering a 3-year full-time postdoctoral position within the LA3M research unit, as part of the new program "The Indo-Persian Continuum, c. 11th-17th Centuries," directed by Professor Alka Patel. The position is based at LA3M, within AMU’s archaeology institute (ARKAIA, MMSH) in Aix-en-Provence, France. This program focuses on the cultural, artistic, and historical exchanges across the Indo-Persian world, with a particular preference for research projects centered on the Sultanate period (12th–16th centuries). The successful candidate will join a vibrant research environment with access to specialized university libraries, the Archives Nationales d’Outre-Mer, and extensive resources in the Provence region. AMU is one of Europe’s leading universities, with over 100 research units and strong international connections, including MOUs with museums, universities, and institutes across Europe and Asia. Alumni from AMU hold prominent positions in institutions such as Sorbonne Université, Musée du Louvre, UCLA, and the Smithsonian. The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to undertake two international fieldtrips (one to India and one to Central Asia), submit a book manuscript to a reputable academic press, and complete at least one journal article by June 2029. The position includes a shared workspace, equipment stipend, travel allowance, and health benefits. Works produced during the fellowship should be in English or French. Eligibility requires a PhD conferred within the last three years (not before June 2023), or completion of the PhD by June 2026. Applicants should demonstrate intermediate proficiency in relevant research languages (such as Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, or Indic vernaculars) and familiarity with research software (MS Word, Excel, photo database management). There are no citizenship restrictions. Application materials must include a three-page Letter of Interest, complete CV, dissertation or chapter, official graduate transcripts and PhD diploma (if available), book project title and chapter outline (4000–5000 words), supporting publications, and contact details for three recommenders. Finalist interviews will be held in early February, with offers made by the end of February 2026. The application deadline is January 10, 2026, and the position starts July 1, 2026. For further information or queries, contact Professor Alka Patel at [email protected]. Applications should be submitted to [email protected]. Additional details about administrative support for international researchers are available via the AMU EURAXESS Portal.

Aix-Marseille Université (AMU) invites applications for a 3-year Junior Postdoctoral Fellowship in the research program "The Indo-Persian Continuum, c. 11th-17th Centuries," directed by Professor Alka Patel and based at LA3M within AMU’s archaeology institute, ARKAIA, MMSH. This prestigious fellowship is designed for junior scholars whose PhDs were conferred within the last three years (not before June 2023), or who will have their PhD in hand by June 2026. The program particularly welcomes projects focusing on the Sultanate period (12th–16th centuries). The successful candidate will join a vibrant research environment in southern France, with access to over 100 research units, specialized university libraries, and resources such as the Archives Nationales d’Outre-Mer. The fellowship includes a full-time salary with health benefits, an equipment stipend, travel allowance, and two required international fieldtrips (to India and Central Asia). The postdoctoral scholar is expected to submit a book manuscript to a reputable academic press and complete at least one journal article by June 2029. Final research outputs may be in English or French, and there are no citizenship restrictions. Applicants should demonstrate at least an intermediate level in relevant research languages (e.g., Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, Indic vernaculars) and be familiar with software such as MS Word, Excel, and photo database management. The application package must include a three-page letter of interest, complete CV, dissertation or chapter, official graduate transcripts and PhD diploma (if available), a book project title and chapter outline (4000–5000 words), supporting materials (such as publications), and contact details for three recommenders. AMU and LA3M maintain strong international networks, with MOUs linking them to museums, universities, and institutes across Europe and Asia. The Aix-Marseille area is well connected by TGV and air, and the university’s Euraxess Center provides comprehensive support for international researchers regarding visas, insurance, accommodation, and other practical matters. The application deadline is January 10, 2026. Finalist interviews will be conducted in early February, with offers made by the end of February 2026. For further information or queries, contact Professor Alka Patel at [email protected]. Applications should be submitted to [email protected]. For more details and to apply, visit: https://academicpositions.com/#apply .