Overview
Organisation/Company: 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
Note: This description contains the information available about the Doctoral Network PALPROX and the PhD position as part of the MSCA framework. It may be updated by the host institution.
Offer Description
The diversity of the European Pleistocene Corvidae species: evolutionary trends and paleobiogeographic implications using GIS tools
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.
Further details about the Doctoral Network PALPROX (Proxies from Small Vertebrates in Prehistoric Archaeology) is a Doctoral School fostering an interdisciplinary and collaborative research frame in which Doctoral Candidates work on Individual Research Projects (IRPs) within a common program: using small vertebrates as proxies in Prehistoric Archaeology.
Small vertebrates are sensitive to environmental change and fossil populations provide information for conservation, extinction processes and climate responses. Supported by MSCA, PALPROX will host 9 doctoral candidates focusing on Late Pleistocene small vertebrates.
The project will provide experience with taxonomic groups found at archaeological sites and contribute to biodiversity and climate change issues. It aims to enhance career diversity and provide training and mentoring.
IPHES‑CERCA is a research centre in Tarragona, Spain, recognized for leadership in human evolution and prehistoric archaeology. IPHES‑CERCA 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).
IPHES‑CERCA has a diverse team and international projection.
Individual Research Project
The diversity of the European Pleistocene Corvidae species: evolutionary trends and paleobiogeographic implications using GIS tools
IRP objectives
1. osteological description and phylogenetic assessment of Corvidae species
2. analyze spatial distribution of Corvidae fossils using GIS
3. 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.
Key responsibilities
* Complete a successful PhD thesis within the project
* Attend training workshops, courses, seminars, meetings and conferences organized within PALPROX
* Publish in indexed journals
* Present research at international conferences
* Participate in archaeological fieldwork and lab‑work on small vertebrates
General eligibility criteria of the Doctoral Candidates (DCs)
* 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; country of main activity is defined as the country of the institution where the main activity was performed
* 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
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. If applicable, Family Allowance adds 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
* Flexible work‑time organization
* Shared office space within IPHES‑CERCA
* Access to institutional services and facilities
* Ethically governed environment with equal opportunities and safety compliance
Application
The application submission period is open for 4 weeks.
All required information and documents must be provided to be considered.
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
Final communications will be made public via the PALPROX webpage. 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 ******. Protection Statement: purpose, recipients, data storage duration, and rights are described in the full notice accompanying the call.
Contact Information: ******
Offer Number of offers available: 1#J-*****-Ljbffr
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