PhD Student position in Greek Archaeology
Description of the position
2-year (24 months), full-time research PhD student position in Greek Archaeology at UCLouvain funded by the FSR (Fonds Spécial de la Recherche), as part of the Iktinia project.
Starting date: October 1st, 2026.
Host institution: UCLouvain, INCAL (Institut des civilisations, arts et lettres), CEMA (Centre d’étude des mondes antiques).
Supervisor: Prof. Jean Vanden Broeck-Parant
Mandatory commitments
It is mandatory for the awardee to also apply to at least one of the PhD fundings of the FNRS (Aspirant and/or FRIA or FRESH) during the first year of their appointment. The last 9 months of the 24 months period will be granted on the condition that the candidate applies to one of the above-mentioned grants. The 24-month period can be renewed provided that the candidate obtains an overall “A” grade (A+, A or A-) for their application with the FNRS.
Project title
Artisanal practices, the mobility of craftsmen and technical innovations: clamps in monumental construction in 4th-century BCE Greece
Description of the project
The project aims to study technical innovations and the mobility of craftsmen in monumental construction in the classical Greek world through the case of architectural clamps used in Central Greece and the northern Peloponnese in the 4th century BCE. Establishing a detailed typology of these clamps will help assess their relevance for dating buildings and better understand the role of various agents in the diffusion of techniques, as well as the factors contributing to their adoption. This study will provide valuable insights into the socio-economic aspects and transmission processes of artisanal practices in antiquity.
Objectives
1) Identifying factors determining the use of specific techniques in given contexts
2) Defining the roles of the various agents responsible for the diffusion of technical innovations
3) Assessing the relevance of the new typology as a dating instrument for 4th-century buildings
More broadly, the project aims to shed light on questions regarding the mobility and agency of individuals in ancient Greece, as well as the role of constraints in the context of the diffusion of innovations.
Methodology
- Systematic recording of clamps within the spatial and chronological limits of the project, based on previous literature and direct observation.
- Constitution of a database
- Development of a refined typology of clamps
- Diachronic mapping of typological variations
- Cost estimations based on reconstructed volumes of materials
- Interpretation and contextualization of the results in light of textual sources
How to apply
The application dossier should consist of the following documents compiled in a single PDF file:
- Curriculum vitae
- Letter of motivation (2 pages max.) in English or French.
- Two reference letters from Academic referees.
- If already obtained, a copy of the master’s degree diploma.
Applications must be sent by July 31st, 13:59 pm (Brussels) to Professor Jean Vanden Broeck-Parant at the following address: jean.vandenbroeck@uclouvain.be.
Eligibility
The candidate must hold a master’s degree (MA or equivalent) in archaeology, art history and/or history (or equivalent) delivered before the start of the mandate.
Requirements
- Excellent academic record
- Demonstrable interest in and knowledge of ancient architecture
- Basic knowledge of ancient Greek
- Previous participation in archaeological projects
Required languages: English and/or French
The following qualifications are considered a plus:
- Basic skills in Modern Greek
- Skills in technical architectural drawing
- Skills in photogrammetric recording
- Basic skills with GIS softwares
Any questions?
iktinia 