Overview
Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES) Research Field: History » Archaeology; Environmental science » Earth science; Biological sciences » Zoology Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1) – PhD Position Application Deadline: 26 Feb *********:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country: Spain Contract Type: Temporary | Job Status: Full-time | Hours per Week: 40 Start Date: 1 Jun **** EU Framework: Horizon Europe - MSCA (IRP 2, *********) Funding: MSCA Doctoral Network PALPROX Workplace: IPHES-CERCA, Tarragona, Spain
Offer Description
We invite applications for a fully funded, full‑time, 3‑year PhD position within the PALPROX Doctoral Network (MSCA‑DN) project titled: Proxies from Small Vertebrates in Prehistoric Archaeology (PALPROX).
Students will be enrolled at Universitat Rovira i Virgili (Tarragona, Spain) and will receive a PhD degree in Quaternary and Prehistory.
The Doctoral Network PALPROX fosters an interdisciplinary and collaborative research framework in which Doctoral Candidates work on Individual Research Projects (IRPs) within a common programme: using small vertebrates as proxies in Prehistoric Archaeology.
Supported by MSCA, PALPROX will host 9 doctoral candidates focusing on Late Pleistocene small vertebrates.
IPHES‑CERCA is a research centre in Tarragona, Spain, recognised for leadership in human evolution and prehistoric archaeology. It is part of the CERCA network and has been accredited as a María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence and awarded the HR Excellence in Research distinction by the European Commission, underscoring commitment to Open, Transparent and Merit‑based Recruitment (OTM‑R).
Individual Research Project
The IRP: The diversity of the European Pleistocene Corvidae species: evolutionary trends and paleobiogeographic implications using GIS tools.
- Osteological description and phylogenetic assessment of Corvidae species.
- Analyse spatial distribution of Corvidae fossils using GIS.
- Quantify fragmentation in current populations and model distribution in paleoclimate reconstruction via GIS.
Expected results include new osteological data, biogeographic history insights, and understanding adaptation mechanisms of Corvidae to landscape and climate changes.
The planned secondment will take place at the Faculty of Archaeology (University of Warsaw, Poland) with a focus on past climate and biogeographic studies.
Dr Claudio Berto will co‑supervise during a 2–6 month secondment, starting after the third month of year 2, subject to progress and changes.
Where to Apply
E‑mail: ******
Requirements
Research Field History » Archaeology — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Biological sciences » Zoology — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Environmental science » Earth science — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Key Responsibilities
- Complete a successful PhD thesis within the project.
- Attend training workshops, courses, seminars, meetings and conferences organised within PALPROX.
- Publish in indexed journals.
- Present research at international conferences.
- Participate in archaeological fieldwork and lab‑work on small vertebrates.
General Eligibility Criteria
- DCs must not hold a doctoral degree at the closing date of the call.
- Open to applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or other protected status.
- Women and those with family obligations or special needs are encouraged to apply.
- Must comply with the mobility rule: no residence or main activity in the country of enrolment for more than 12 months in the previous 36 months.
- Weighted Average Mark of 7/10 or higher for undergraduate and master's degrees.
- Good level of English: certificate (level B2 or higher) or CERF‑based proof accepted by the enrolling university.
Additional Information – Terms and Conditions
The selected candidates will be employed for 3 years as pre‑doctoral researchers under a full‑time contract, funded by the EU MSCA Doctoral Network.
Salary (before tax and social contributions) with Spain correction factor:
- Living Allowance: 2,665 € / month
- Mobility Allowance: 710 € / month
- GROSS SALARY: 3,375 € / month
- Family Allowance (if applicable): 660 € / month, making GROSS SALARY 3,900 € / month
End‑of‑contract compensation is paid at contract end.
Place of work: IPHES‑CERCA, Tarragona, Spain
Start and duration: Start between 1 June **** and 1 October **** for 36 months (full dedication).
Non‑Economic Benefits
- International research environment and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Access to advanced infrastructures and laboratories
- Extensive training opportunities
- Active participation in scientific life and outreach
- Career development aligned with European Charter & Code and HR Excellence
- Inclusive and diverse work environment
Working Conditions
- Full‑time contract with exclusive dedication
- Funding for research and training activities
- Versátil work‑time organisation
- Shared office space within IPHES‑CERCA
- Access to institutional services and facilities
- Ethically governed environment with equal opportunities and safety compliance
Application Process
Applications must include documents in English: application form (template downloadable from PALPROX), evidence of mobility rule, academic records, CV, motivation letter (max **** characters, Arial/Times New Roman 12), and any justification for career breaks or special circumstances.
Selection process follows OTM‑R principles.
- Staged evaluation includes eligibility check, then scoring (Weighted Average Mark, CV, Motivation Letter), interviews, and final ranking.
- Final communications will be made public via the PALPROX webpage.
Transparency and Complaints
- All applicants will receive formal communication regarding outcomes.
- Candidates may submit complaints within 10 working days of results, to ******, with subject \"Complaint – PALPROX Call\".
- Appeals evaluated by an external panel; final results may be adjusted if warranted.
- All complainants will receive a response within 5 working days after appeal submission.
Data Protection
Data processing is in accordance with GDPR.
Personal data will be used to manage the grant application and recruitment process.
Rights to access, rectify, or delete data can be exercised by contacting ******.
Data Protection Statement: purpose, recipients, data storage duration, and rights are described in the full notice accompanying the call.
Contact Information
E‑mail: ******
Offers: 1
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