Department of Geography, Prehistory, and Archaeology

Organisation/Company Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea Department Department of Geography, Prehistory, and Archaeology Research Field History » Archaeology History » Prehistory Computer science » Modelling tools Technology » Environmental technology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 30 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Reference Number Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

We offer a 1.5 year full-time contract within the ERC starting Grant PalaeOrigins: Tracing the Epipalaeolithic origins of plant management in southwest Asia (ERC-2021-STG project ). We are looking for a highly motivated and curiosity-driven researcher to reconstruct foraging ranges at several Epipaleolithic sites in the southern Levant using least-cost path methods.

The candidate will contribute to two research topics:

- The evaluation of the changes on plant distribution during the late Pleistocene and Early Holocene transition.
- The characterization of Epipaleolithic cal. BP) plant food procurement strategies through the study of plant foraging zones.

Among other tasks, the candidate will:

- Develop methods for modelling pedestrian movement in the varied environments of the southern Levant
- Model catchment areas around Epipalaeolithic sites, considering the surrounding terrain and palaeoenvironment




- Work with colleagues to map the environments and plant resources accessible to foragers within these catchments.
- Disseminate the results in two scientific publications, as well as to participate at international and national scientific events and/or other science communication activities.

The researcher will be based at the Micaela Portilla Research Centre of the University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country, Spain. There will be the opportunity to travel to the United Nations Satellite Centre (Switzerland) and/or the University of Copenhagen (Denmark) for training.

Requirements

Research Field History » Archaeology Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field History » Prehistory Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Computer science » Modelling tools Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Technology » Environmental technology Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Other Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

PhD in Archaeology, Prehistory, History, Geography, Ecology, or related
subjects (awarded or near completion).

Specific Requirements

Experience in geographical information systems (GIS), least-cost path modelling, and statistical programming with R or Python.

- A short description (max. 1 pages) outlining the candidate’s background,
motivation, and/or suitability for the project

Previous experience in the field of archaeology, as well as the publication of articles in journals or participation in conferences, will be viewed favourably.

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📌 Movement modelling contract -ERC-funded Palaeorigins (España)
🏢 Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea
📍 España