Postdoctoral Fellow in Archaeology
Ghent University
Belgium

Last application date:
Feb 23, 2026 23:59

Department:
LW02 - Department of Archaeology

Degree:
Master

Occupancy rate:
100%

Vacancy type:
Research staff

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities.

With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

The ERC-funded project FROST: “Frozen in time – Unravelling Younger Dryas climate variability, environmental dynamics and their impact on human recolonization in Western Europe” is seeking to appoint a full-time (100%), four-year PhD position in geoarchaeology within the Archaeology Department.

The PhD project aims to investigate human and environmental responses to climate fluctuations during the Younger Dryas (ca. 12,850 to 11,650 cal BP) in Western Europe.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

1. Refine the chronological framework for Younger Dryas archaeological sites (cave and open-air contexts) using dating methods such as 14C, OSL, and cryptotephra analysis. This will improve understanding of human occupation, mobility, and adaptation during this period, while also advancing dating methods for buried open-air sites.

2. Reconstruct landscape dynamics and post-depositional processes at archaeological sites based on field observations and sedimentological/soil laboratory analyses (grain-size analysis, magnetic susceptibility, loss-on-ignition, micromorphology). This will clarify the environmental context associated with site use and abandonment and provide a basis for sampling strategies for chronological analyses.

Research questions to address:

• Was there a significant population decline in newly recolonized Western Europe during the early Younger Dryas, followed by a resurgence in its later phase?

• Were changes in settlement patterns and population dynamics related to shifting environmental conditions?

• Did the timing and amplitude of human and environmental responses vary geographically, with later sites appearing in the west (British Isles) and earlier ones in the east, linked to an NW-SE temperature gradient?

Main tasks include:

• Conducting scientific research to obtain a doctoral degree

• Preparing and submitting research results for publication in peer-reviewed journals

• Performing fieldwork to collect samples for chronological and sedimentary analyses

• Conducting laboratory analyses on collected samples (some analyses outsourced; lab technician support provided)

• Contributing to teaching and research activities within the Archaeology Department

The candidate will be embedded in an interdisciplinary ERC team, collaborating closely with researchers of complementary expertise to achieve the project’s objectives.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Master’s degree in archaeology, geology, earth sciences, soil science, or related field

• Strong interest in prehistoric archaeology and past human-environment interactions

• Demonstrated training in geoarchaeology, with sedimentological and stratigraphic fieldwork experience

• Prior experience in the following areas is advantageous (training will continue during PhD):

  • Computational data analysis and quantitative modelling (e.g., R)

  • Laboratory techniques: granulometry, magnetic susceptibility, loss-on-ignition, micromorphology, cryptotephra analysis, OSL

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of French and/or Dutch strongly recommended

• Willingness to work internationally, including short-term fieldwork, conferences, or research stays abroad

• Ability to work independently while actively collaborating within an interdisciplinary team

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing deadlines

• Strong academic potential with ability to deliver high-quality research outputs

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• Full-time doctoral fellow position, initial period 12 months, extendable to 48 months

• Dynamic and stimulating work environment

• Training opportunities related to research

• Contract start: 01/04/2026 at the earliest

• Fellowship: 100% of net salary of an AAP member, determined by family status and seniority; tax-free if conditions are met (salary scales)

• Staff benefits: training and education opportunities, 36 days holiday, bicycle allowance, eco vouchers (full overview)

INTERESTED?

Applications should be sent by email to: Possum.Pince@ugent.be

Application documents:

1. Motivation letter (1–2 pages) describing background, research interests, and motivation for applying; include contact details

2. Curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages), including:

   • Education and academic qualifications

   • Relevant research, work, and/or fieldwork experience

   • Research interests and publications (if applicable)

   • Contact details of two referees (preferably academic)

3. Copy of Master’s diploma (or expected graduation date)

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, all are encouraged to apply.

Selection process:

• Preselection → interviews expected mid-March 2026 (in person or online)

Contact for inquiries:
Prof. Dr. Possum Pincé – Possum.Pince@ugent.be

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