Archaeologist and historian (M/F)

CNRS; France; Hybride; EUR 35 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research institution in France is seeking an established researcher to contribute to archaeological research on the Axuryan Valley project. The role involves collecting and analyzing excavation data, participating in numismatic studies, and collaborating with both French and Armenian teams. Applicants must demonstrate expertise in ancient numismatics, proficiency in Armenian, and strong organizational skills. This full-time position is temporary with a starting date of March 1, 2026, allowing potential remote work options.

Qualifications

• Must have expertise in identifying and describing ancient coins.
• Proficient in the history and archaeology of Ancient Armenia.
• Ability to analyse documents in Armenian.
• Experience in museum documentation.
• Familiarity with database management tools is essential.
• Must work well in a team and manage tasks autonomously.

Responsabilités

• Collect and analyze excavation archives in Armenia.
• Study archaeological artefacts and numismatic analysis.
• Integrate data into digital project databases.
• Support scientific analysis and documentation.
• Participate in outreach and dissemination activities.
• Consult and extract information from archives in Armenia.

Connaissances

Expertise in ancient numismatics

Knowledge of Ancient and Late Antique Armenia

Ability to analyse historical excavation archives

Experience in gathering archaeological artefacts

Experience with digital tools for database management

Ability to structure and synthesise documentary corpora

Excellent written and spoken proficiency in Armenian

Professional proficiency in English

Strong autonomy and organisational skills

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Histoire, Archéologie, Littérature des mondes chrétiens et musulmans médiévaux Research Field History » Ancient history History » Archaeology History » Medieval history Researcher Profile Established Researcher (R3) Country France Application Deadline 31 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The recruited researcher will contribute to the compilation, analysis and structuring of documentary data within a project focused on territorial dynamics and places of power in the Axuryan Valley (Širak Province, Armenia), from the Achaemenid period to Late Antiquity.

Responsibilities

• Identifying, collecting and analysing excavation archives—both recent and historical—primarily in Armenia: unpublished and published reports, field notebooks, illustrations and inventories, and establishing a comprehensive list of sites relevant to the project.
• Participating in the study of archaeological artefacts, with a central role in numismatic analysis carried out in synergy with other categories of material culture (ceramics, architectural sculpture, instrumentum), and contributing to the verification, description and updating of inventories held in museums.
• Integrating all gathered data into the project's digital databases.
• Providing scientific support for the chronological and territorial analysis of the sites, notably through the examination of coin series, the critical reassessment of earlier documentation, and the harmonisation of data originating from heterogeneous sources.
• Contributing to the preparation of scientific deliverables, the synthesis of results, and the collective dissemination and outreach activities of the project.
• Identification, gathering and analysis of excavation archives held in various Armenian institutions (Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography in Yerevan, History Museum of Armenia in Yerevan, Shirak Regional Museum, and other archival repositories).
• Compilation of an analytical bibliography and a comprehensive site inventory.
• Consultation, extraction of information, translation and synthesis of documents in Armenian.
• Work within museums for the documentation and inventory verification of numismatic material, and for the analysis of monetary circulation in the Shirak region.
• Contribution to the development of the project's database.
• Participation in the scientific dissemination and outreach activities of the project.
• Preparation of scientific syntheses for deliverables and collective publications.
• Ongoing interaction with French and Armenian research teams.

The position is offered within the framework of the ANR PRC FACE (2026–2029) – From Achaemenid to Christian Era. Places of power and territorial dynamics from the 6th century BC to the 7th century AD: archaeological research along the Axuryan Valley (Širak Province, Armenia). The project is led by a consortium of three Lyon-based research units: UMR 5138 ArAr, UMR 5648 CIHAM and UMR 5133 Archéorient. The recruited researcher will be administratively affiliated with UMR 5648 CIHAM, which brings together around fifty researchers specialising in history, archaeology and medieval Christian and Muslim cultures. They will work in close interaction with the French and Armenian teams involved in the project. Activities will be carried out partly at the CIHAM offices in Lyon, with the possibility of remote working, and partly in Armenia within the partner institutions, notably during field missions dedicated to data collection and analysis of documentary sources and archaeological material (Yerevan, Gyumri).

Qualifications

• Expertise in ancient numismatics (identification, description, typology, monetary circulation).
• Good knowledge of the history and archaeology of Ancient and Late Antique Armenia.
• Ability to analyse historical excavation archives in Armenian.
• Experience in the gathering and documentation of archaeological artefacts in a museum context.
• Experience with digital tools for database management, indexing and metadata standardisation.
• Ability to structure and synthesise documentary corpora.
• Armenian: excellent written and spoken proficiency required.
• English: professional proficiency (work within an international network).
• Ability to work within an international team (France/Armenia) and in interaction with museums and research institutions.
• Strong autonomy and organisational skills.
• Ability to report progress, produce regular syntheses and integrate results within a collective research framework.