Ilse Schoep

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 aims to revise our understanding of human-environment interactions in the 2nd millennium BCE East Mediterranean, focusing on the socio-economic roles of organic materials—especially floral materials and woven objects such as textiles, baskets, sacks, and mats. The research will combine archaeological, iconographic, ethnographic, experimental, and scientific methodologies to reconstruct production workflows and their socio-economic implications. The successful candidate will join the vibrant Archaeology Research Unit and the AKM Department, working closely with a diverse team of PhDs and postdocs. The project is supervised by Prof. Dr. Ann Brysbaert and Prof. Dr. Ilse Schoep and is funded by an FWO ODYSSEUS Type I Grant. The PhD research will involve documentation and analysis of floral materials and objects from the Aegean and Egypt, using archaeobotanical studies, textual analysis (Linear A & B, Egyptian texts), microscopy, and 3D modelling. Training opportunities include participation in the Faculty of Arts PhD programme and external field schools such as the Leiden Textile Research Centre. Key responsibilities include conducting independent and collaborative research, presenting at conferences, publishing results, participating in project meetings and workshops, and contributing to teaching and minor administrative tasks. The position requires travel between Belgium and Greece for research purposes. The expected outputs are joint conference papers, a handbook chapter, a PhD thesis (or equivalent co-published papers), and an open-access database. Applicants must have BA/BSc. and MA/MSc. degrees in archaeology (East Mediterranean/Aegean focus), strong research skills, excellent English, and experience with databases and statistical tools. Desirable qualifications include archaeobotany, museum or excavation experience, microscopy, use-wear analysis, additional languages, and a valid European driving license. The appointment is full-time (38 hours/week), initially for one year with extension up to four years upon positive evaluation. Salary is at the Assistant (barema 43) level, with full social and professional integration in the KU Leuven research community. Applicants are required to reside in Belgium during the appointment. To apply, submit a single PDF including your CV, research proposal, cover letter, writing sample, transcripts, and referee contacts via the KU Leuven job portal by April 30, 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Ann Brysbaert or Prof. Dr. Ilse Schoep. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in June 2026.

The Faculty of Arts at KU Leuven, Belgium, is internationally recognized for its research excellence and vibrant academic community. The Archaeology Research Unit, part of the AKM Department, offers a multidisciplinary environment where cross-fertilization between Arts, Sciences, and Musicology takes place. The ODYSSEIA project (Organic Data Yields in Aegean Bronze Age material culture) is a pioneering initiative funded by an FWO ODYSSEUS Type I Grant, focusing on scientific, sensory, ethnographic, experimental, and iconographic approaches to human-environment interactions through crafting in the 2nd millennium BCE Aegean. This postdoctoral position is embedded within the ODYSSEIA programme and supervised by Prof. Dr. Ann Brysbaert and Prof. Dr. Ilse Schoep. The research aims to revise our understanding of how Aegean populations interacted with their physical environment, particularly through the socio-economic roles of organic materials. The project employs a holistic methodology combining iconography, ancient texts, ethnographic and experimental studies, 3D modelling, and scientific analyses of archaeological remains. The focus is on reconstructing workflows for the production and use of organic objects, calculating labor cost rates, and addressing socio-economic and political imbalances between elites and other groups in the Bronze Age. Key responsibilities include collecting, documenting, and analyzing evidence for connective technologies and health-and-well-being materials, such as oils, aromatics, herbs, wax, ropes, thread, hinges, glues, and mortars. The project encourages collaboration with team members conducting experimental work and aims to deliver an open-access database, four peer-reviewed journal papers, and a handbook chapter. The postdoctoral researcher will participate in training programs, meetings, workshops, and limited teaching and administrative tasks. Applicants must hold MA/MSc and PhD degrees in archaeology, with a focus on Bronze/Iron Age Archaeology and Bio-Archaeology. Demonstrated interest in prehistoric organic material culture and landscape studies in the East Mediterranean is essential. Excellent English communication skills and proficiency with databases and statistical packages are required. Command of modern Greek is desirable, or candidates must be willing to take classes. Specialization in archaeobotany, bio-archaeology, ethnoarchaeology, or experimental archaeology, as well as relevant experience in museums and analytical instrumentation, are advantageous. A valid European driving license and other language skills (French, German) are desirable. The position is full-time (38 hours/week), starting between September 1 and December 1, 2026, initially for one year with possible extension for two additional years after positive evaluation. Salary is 100% of the net amount for a Scientific Researcher (barema 44), and the researcher is legally required to reside in Belgium. KU Leuven offers a stimulating environment with a diverse community of PhDs and postdoctoral researchers, professional and social activities, and a commitment to equal opportunity and inclusivity. To apply, submit your application via the KU Leuven job portal before June 12, 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Ann Brysbaert or Prof. Dr. Ilse Schoep by email. The Faculty of Arts welcomes candidates from all backgrounds and encourages open dialogue and diversity.