PhD Student in Evolutionary Anthropology (with a focus on Palaeoproteomics)

Universität Wien

Job description:

 At the University of Vienna almost 11,000 personalities work together towards answering the big questions of the future. Around 7,700  of them do research and teaching, around 3,000 work in administration and organisation. We are looking for a

PhD Student in Evolutionary Anthropology (with a focus on Palaeoproteomics)

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where more than 7,500 academics thrive on curiosity in continuous exploration and help us better understand our world. Does this sound like you? Then join our accomplished team!

Your personal sphere of influence:

The Department of Evolutionary Anthropology at the Faculty of Life Sciences seeks to appoint a pre-doctoral researcher with expertise in archaeology/archaeological science and to work with Associate Professor Katerina Douka (https://doukalab.univie.ac.at/) on a research project supported by the European Research Council. They will be part of a leading international team of researchers in the department working across the fields of Human Evolution, Ancient DNA and Archaeological Science. This is a non-renewable 3-year position.

The RIFT-TO-RIM Project

The ERC-funded RIFT-TO-RIM Consolidator project (2025-2030) aims to fill the gaps in understanding the pathways of modern human dispersals from Africa into Eurasia, and ultimately to Sahul, by ~60,000 years ago. One of the project's principal objectives is the discovery and analysis of new modern human fossils from under-researched parts of the world, such as sites in East and South Africa. State-of-the-art biomolecular techniques, including palaeoproteomics, chronometric and isotopic methods, and to a lesser extent aDNA, will be used to screen and analyse fragmentary bones and sediments from archaeological sites. The material will be collected from several archaeological locations in five countries (South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Kenya, Ethiopia) dating to between 200,000 and 10,000 years ago.

Your future tasks:

The candidate will work on developing and applying improved methodologies for palaeoproteomic analyses of bones, teeth and sediments from Middle and Later Stone Age sites in Africa. In addition, they will, where appropriate, apply other scientific methods including radiocarbon dating, stable isotope geochemistry and ancient genomics, to answer questions relating to the presence of modern humans at each site.

The position would suit someone motivated to undertake cutting-edge research into aspects of modern human evolution, who has direct experience in prehistoric archaeology, as well as in areas of zooarchaeology and/or biomolecular archaeology.

Experience in fieldwork or work in museum settings, is highly desirable. Training in palaeoproteomics (especially ZooMS), radiocarbon dating and pretreatment chemistry will be given, but prior experience in any would be an advantage. The candidate will have the opportunity to organize local research teams and small-scale laboratory work for the in-situ analyses of material.

Your Responsibilities:

• Recording and sampling of archaeological material for scientific analysis (proteomics, ancient DNA, radiocarbon) from archaeological sites;
• Performing scientific analyses such as ZooMS and dating
• Traveling to the field, liaising with field-based teams of researchers in several different countries in Africa where the research will be based;
• Collaborating with colleagues in the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology on a range of applied projects incorporating aspects of archaeological science, proteomics, genetics and dating;
• Writing and preparing scientific reports and journal articles and present conference papers and posters;
• Representing the group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone

This is part of your personality:

Essential selection criteria

• A relevant Bachelor and Masters degree in archaeology, prehistoric archaeology, zooarchaeology, or biomolecular archaeology;
• Interest in gaining hands-on expertise in biomolecular archaeology, especially ZooMS, radiocarbon and stable isotope analyses;
• Ability to travel and spend parts of the studentship in the field/museums and the laboratory;
• Strong interest in prehistoric archaeology (Palaeolithic/Stone Age);
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write reports, write publications, and present results to research meetings;
• Fluency in English

Desirable selection criteria

• Previous or current collaborations with African institutions and archaeological teams;
• Fieldwork experience in Palaeolithic sites, zooarchaeology, ZooMS;
• Experience in the use of databases and IT

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (upon agreement).

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3.714,80 (on a full-time basis) increases if we can credit professional experience.

Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• With your curriculum vitae;
• Short motivation letter (English) which summarizes your research interests/plans and demonstrates your motivation for this position. (max. 2 p.);
• Previous Degrees;
• Contact details of persons who could provide reference letters;
• Via our job portal/ Apply now - button.

If you have any content questions, please contact:

Katerina Douka

katerina.douka@univie.ac.at

We look forward to new personalities in our team! 
The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

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Application deadline: 01/09/2026 

Apply now