The Archaeology Research Unit joins forces with the Research Units of Art Sciences and Musicology to form the vibrant AKM Department, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange. Egyptian archaeology and philology are among the Department of Archaeology's particular strengths, alongside expertise spanning a wide range of regions and periods. Close ties with the Ancient History Research Group, which studies the ancient Mediterranean and Near East through written sources, further enrich this research environment. The PhD position is embedded within this interdisciplinary setting, offering the successful candidate direct access to a dynamic community of researchers, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral fellows.Website unit
Project
Ancient Mediterranean diets are generally described as primarily plant-based and largely centered on cereals, supplemented only sparingly, and often insufficiently, by animal products. Meat is commonly assumed to have been a luxury, mainly consumed by privileged groups and on special occasions. The project "Meat in Greco-Roman Egypt (MeaGRE): An Interdisciplinary Approach" sets out to evaluate and contextualize these hypotheses by examining meat consumption in Greco-Roman Egypt, with particular attention to the origin and processing of meat as well as its broader institutional, socio-economic, and dietary context.
The research combines textual and archaeological sources, which together provide an unparalleled level of detail for the Greco-Roman world. Directed by Prof. dr. Katelijn Vandorpe and Prof. dr. Stefan Baumann, the project brings together ancient historians and papyrologists as well as archaeologists and Egyptologists at KU Leuven, in collaboration with other research networks and projects at the university (including Trismegistos+ and ICAG) and beyond (AGROS).
Key tasks and responsibilities
The PhD candidate will be responsible for analysing the archaeological evidence within the project. This includes inorganic remains such as architectural features (particularly kitchens and altars) as well as artefacts (especially cooking vessels and storage jars) related to meat processing. Visual evidence, including ritual scenes from temples and depictions in tombs, constitutes another important source of investigation. Organic remains, primarily animal bones, will also be incorporated into the study with the support of an archaeozoologist. Under the supervision of the principal investigators, the candidate will work closely with the other project members, including the doctoral researcher responsible for the Greek and Latin textual sources and the postdoctoral researcher responsible for the Egyptian texts.
Aside from their research, the candidate will also:
- Complete the mandatory PhD training offered by the Faculty of Arts and take part in external field schools where appropriate and needed.
- Participate in meetings and workshops organised by the MeaGRE team.
- Present papers at national and international conferences and workshops.
- Submit research results for publication, together with other team members and collaborators, in peer-reviewed journals, synthetic publications, and conference proceedings (co-authored and individual).
- Undertake limited teaching duties (practicals, classes, exam invigilation, field schools, etc.), as well as minor project administration tasks.
Profile
The successful candidate has:
- a Master's degree in Egyptology, Archaeology with a focus on Egypt, or an equivalent qualification;
- an excellent academic record, demonstrating the potential for independent research;
- excellent proficiency in English, with strong written and oral communication skills; reading proficiency in French and German; knowledge of Dutch is an asset;
- basic knowledge of Middle Egyptian; experience with Greco-Roman temple inscriptions is an asset;
- experience with the analysis of organic remains, particularly animal bones, is an asset;
- the ability to work both independently and collaboratively;
- an interest in developing interdisciplinary approaches combining textual and archaeological evidence.
Offer
- We offer a full-time PhD position for 1 year, extendable to 4 years after initial positive evaluation, with a doctoral scholarship in line with KU Leuven's standard salary scales for PhD candidates. The intended starting date is on 1 November, 2026.
- You will have the opportunity to participate in international conferences and benefit from academic training and workshops.
- We offer a stimulating and lively community of PhDs and postdoctoral researchers in archaeology, Egyptology, ancient history, and beyond
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Stefan Baumann, mail: stefan.baumann@kuleuven.be.
Applicants can expect to hear from us by the end of August 2026. Interviews with shortlisted candidates are expected to take place in early to mid-September 2026 (online, if necessary).
Please combine the following documents into a single PDF, in the order listed below:
Curriculum vitae (max 2 pages), including a list of publications if applicable.
Cover letter (max 2 pages) linking your skills and experience to the selection criteria and project description.
One major writing sample: MA thesis or published paper.
Academic transcripts (BA/BSc, MA/MSc) showing your grades.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
Fields: Archaeology, Ancient History, Cultural History, History of Art, Organic Chemistry, and 1 more, Animal Biology & Ethology
