Investigating Early Cereal-Based Cooking Practices in the Levant: From Bread to Porridge
Explore the origins of cereal-based food traditions in Pre-Pottery Neolithic communities through interdisciplinary archaeological research.
Best for:Best for archaeologists, anthropologists, or interdisciplinary researchers with a strong background in archaeobotany, biomolecular analysis, or experimental archaeology, interested in early agricultural practices and food traditions.
Overview
This PhD position at the Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU) focuses on reconstructing ancient cooking practices and food traditions of early farming communities in the Levant (11,600–9,500 cal BP). Using innovative interdisciplinary methodologies—including archaeobotanical, microstructural, biomolecular, and experimental approaches—the project aims to understand how staple foods like bread and porridge emerged during the dawn of agriculture. The successful candidate will contribute to uncovering the origins of plant-based food traditions through the analysis of archaeological food remains. This role is ideal for researchers passionate about archaeology, food history, and interdisciplinary scientific inquiry.
What you'll do
- Conduct interdisciplinary research integrating archaeobotanical, microstructural, and biomolecular methods to analyze ancient food remains from the Levant.
- Reconstruct cooking practices and food preparation techniques of early farming communities during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period.
- Develop and apply innovative methodologies to study the origins of staple foods like bread and porridge.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to interpret archaeological data and experimental findings.
- Present research findings at academic conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Food History, or a related interdisciplinary field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency required for academic communication and research
Instruction: Spanish and English
- Experience in archaeobotanical analysis or related fields
- Familiarity with biomolecular or microstructural research techniques
- Strong analytical and research skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams
- Proficiency in scientific writing and academic publishing
- Open to all nationalities
- No specific residency or age restrictions mentioned
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-05 (Africa/Abidjan)
Applicants must submit their application through the official UPV/EHU portal for PhD positions. The application process typically requires a CV, a research proposal, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Detailed instructions and the application form are available on the university’s research management website.
- CV
- Research proposal or statement of purpose
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
- Letters of recommendation (typically 2-3)
- Proof of English proficiency if required
Contact
UPV/EHU Research Office· PhD Admissions
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.