Two Doctoral Fellowships (3 years), LA3M-Aix-Marseille Université, France (funded by Amidex)

RESEARCHER PROFILE: PhD/R1: First stage Researcher

RESEARCH FIELD(S)1: Anthropology, Architecture and Design, History

MAIN SUB RESEARCH FIELD OR DISCIPLINES1:Archaeology, Design History,History of Art,History of History, History of Religion, Museology, Spatial Planning, Textile Design, Urban Design

JOB /OFFER DESCRIPTION

A new Research Program titledThe Indo-Persian Continuum, c. 11th-17th Centuries, directed by Professor Alka Patel and housed atLa3M (within Aix-Marseille University’s [AMU] archaeology institute,ARKAIA, MMSH), offers offers two, 3-year Dissertation-Writing Fellowships beginning 1 July 2026. Applications are invited from students with well-defined PhD projects in all aspects of material culture in Southern Asia – encompassing Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh. Applicants must have proven records of research and productivity (e.g. Master’s Degree); and at least an intermediate level in requisite research languages, e.g. Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, Indic vernaculars (certificates/proof required). Preference will be given to projects on the “Sultanate” period (circa12th c.-16th c.). The Program includes two fieldtrips (required), one to India and another to Central Asia. The successful applicants will be full-time doctorands (salaried with health benefits) expected to complete and defend their PhD dissertations by 30 June 2029. Theses must be composed in either French or English.

No citizenship restrictions.

Direct queries to[emailprotected]

TYPE OF CONTRACT:TEMPORARY

JOB STATUS:FULL TIME

APPLICATION DEADLINE:10/01/2026 00:00Central Europe

ENVISAGED STARTING DATE:01/07/2026

ENVISAGED DURATION: 36 months

WORK LOCATION(S):Aix-Marseille Université – LA3M – MMSH5 Rue Château de l’Horloge, 13090 Aix-en-Provence FRANCE

WHAT WE OFFER:

Shared work space; equipment stipend; travel allowance; two international fieldtripsLocated in the region of Provence, southern France,AMU consists more than 100 research units in all disciplines and is among the foremost European universities responding to current global challenges with new research programs. Prominent Humanities alumni hold positions throughout Europe (e.g. Sorbonne Université; Musée du Louvre; Università Napoli – L’Orientale), the US (e.g. UCLA; National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian), and elsewhere. La3M and AMU maintain MOUs with museums, universities, and institutes across Europe and Asia. The Aix-Marseille area offers specialized University libraries, additional resources such as the Archives Nationales d’Outre-Mer, and is nationally and internationally well connected by TGV and air.

Additional information: The Euraxess Center of Aix-Marseille Université informs foreign visiting professors, researchers, postdoc and PhD candidates about the administrative steps to be undertaken prior to arrival at AMU and the various practical formalities to be completed once in France: visas and entry requirements, insurance, help finding accommodation, support in opening a bank account, etc. More information onAMU EURAXESS Portal

QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED RESEARCH FIELDS, REQUIRED EDUCATION LEVEL, PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, OTHER RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS

Soft skills: At least an intermediate level in requisite research languages, e.g. Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, Indic vernacular; familiarity with relevant software, including (but not limited to) MS Word, Excel; photo database management.

REQUESTED DOCUMENTS OF APPLICATION, ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, SELECTION PROCESS

1) a two-page Letter of Interest detailing achievements to date;

2) PhD prospectus, including title and proposed chapter breakdown (5000 words);

3) complete CV;

4) proof of undergraduate and MA degrees (official transcripts, diplomas);

5) language certificates/transcripts;

6) and the names and contact details of three recommenders.

Application deadline is 10 January 2026; finalist interviews in early February; offers by end February 2026.

HOW TO APPLY:[emailprotected]