Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES)
Predoctoral Research Staff Position in Neanderthal Fire Use and Pyrotechnology –
Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES), Villa Espana Colonia, Texas, United States
Offer Description
Join IPHES-CERCA!
IPHES-CERCA is looking for predoctoral research staff to join the FIRE-SPARK project (PID2024-157476NA‑00) "Fire in Use: Fire and Pyrotechnology Practices of the Neanderthals" led by Dr. Aitor Burguet‑Coca and funded within the state program "Projects for the Generation of Knowledge and Actions for the Training of Predoctoral Research Personnel". The project is supported by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU) and the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI), and co‑financed by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
The FIRE-SPARK project investigates the functional use of fire in Middle Palaeolithic sites, aiming to understand its complexity in domestic contexts and its relationship with Neanderthal daily practices. The research integrates archaeo‑experimental and microarchaeological methods, employing phytolith, microcarbon, mineral analysis, FTIR, pollen, and NPP techniques.
FIRE‑SPARK expands on related projects such as NEAN‑SPARK by providing high‑resolution experimental and archaeological data to address the debate on Neanderthal pyrotechnological capabilities. The thesis focuses on the pyroarchaeological record of Roca dels Bous and Cova del Trader, and on generating an experimental reference for interpreting microarchaeological traces linked to fire practices.
Who are we?
IPHES-CERCA (www.iphes.cat) is an international reference centre in Quaternary Archaeology and Human Evolution, based in Tarragona. It is recognised as a "María de Maeztu" Centre of Excellence (CEX2024‑001485‑M) and is part of the CERCA programme of the Generalitat de Catalunya.
With almost 75 professionals, IPHES-CERCA combines science, innovation and social impact to understand human behaviour throughout prehistory.
The centre holds the HR Excellence in Research seal from the European Commission, certifying its commitment to open, transparent and merit‑based recruitment (OTM‑R), equal opportunities and professional development of research and technical staff.
What will be your main functions?
Develop a predoctoral research project focused on the functionality of fire in Middle Palaeolithic sites.
Design and execute the work plan for the doctoral thesis, employing archaeo‑experimental and microarchaeological methods.
Collect, manage and analyze data using up‑to‑date scientific methodologies such as phytolith analysis, microcarbon analysis, and FTIR.
Participate in archaeological fieldwork, sample collection and experimental archaeology sessions.
Disseminate results through publications, conferences and outreach activities.
Engage in training activities and seminars related to the project.
Promote good practices in research, open science, scientific integrity and gender inclusion.
Where to apply E‑mail jobs@iphes.cat
Requirements Education Level: Master’s degree or equivalent in Archaeology, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Botany, or related disciplines. Not in possession of a doctoral degree or have started doctoral studies. Meet the enrolment requirements for the Doctoral Programme of the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) for the academic year 2026‑2027.
Languages: English – Good level.
Additional Information What we offer you
Full 4‑year predoctoral contract under the current regulations of the call. Enrolment in the URV Doctoral Programme in Quaternary and Prehistory, with financial support for enrolment expenses and research stays (up to €7,000). Access to a complete training itinerary including internal seminars, specialised training in microarchaeological techniques, experimental archaeology, open science, scientific dissemination and short stays in international research centres.
Supervision and mentoring within the FIRE‑SPARK project, integration into a multidisciplinary and highly specialised team. Full access to the scientific facilities of IPHES‑CERCA, including specialised laboratories and advanced technical services. An international, collaborative and scientifically stimulating work environment.
Expected incorporation: March 2026. Remuneration is provided by the Statute of Research Staff in Training (EPIF) in accordance with Royal Decree 103/2019 and current regulations, with progressive increases over the four years.
How to submit your candidacy
Send documentation to jobs@iphes.cat with subject: IPHES_FIRE‑SPARK_PID_PREDOC. For questions related to the thesis project or the selection process, contact: aburguet@iphes.cat.
Documentation required in the first phase
Letter of motivation (maximum 2 pages).
Curriculum vitae (maximum 4 pages, following the CVA English or CVA Castellano model).
Disability certificate (if applicable).
Documentation required in the second phase
Copies of degrees and academic certificates.
Submission deadline: 21 January 2026. More information:
IPHES job opportunities
Evaluation criteria Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria (maximum score: 100 points):
Criterion 1. Academic and scientific career (up to 50 points)
Scientific and technical contributions (up to 45 points): average grades, research activities, communications, posters or scientific publications, internships, courses or scholarships.
Mobility and international experience (up to 5 points): Erasmus stays, international scholarships or scientific volunteering.
Criterion 2. Adequacy of the profile and skills (up to 50 points)
Adaptation of the profile to the line of research (20 points).
Knowledge of languages other than mother tongue (minimum B1) (10 points).
Key competences: analytical and critical thinking, scientific communication, teamwork, planning, autonomy, initiative, adaptability and continuous learning (20 points).
Phase 1: Documentary evaluation (maximum 100 points). Minimum score to progress to Phase 2: 50 points.
Phase 2: Personal interviews and final evaluation (maximum additional 20 points). The final total score can be up to 120 points.
The candidate with the highest total score will be selected. In case of a tie, the Selection Committee will apply tie‑breaking criteria such as higher average grade.
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IPHES-CERCA is looking for predoctoral research staff to join the FIRE-SPARK project (PID2024-157476NA‑00) "Fire in Use: Fire and Pyrotechnology Practices of the Neanderthals" led by Dr. Aitor Burguet‑Coca and funded within the state program "Projects for the Generation of Knowledge and Actions for the Training of Predoctoral Research Personnel". The project is supported by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU) and the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI), and co‑financed by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
The FIRE-SPARK project investigates the functional use of fire in Middle Palaeolithic sites, aiming to understand its complexity in domestic contexts and its relationship with Neanderthal daily practices. The research integrates archaeo‑experimental and microarchaeological methods, employing phytolith, microcarbon, mineral analysis, FTIR, pollen, and NPP techniques.
FIRE‑SPARK expands on related projects such as NEAN‑SPARK by providing high‑resolution experimental and archaeological data to address the debate on Neanderthal pyrotechnological capabilities. The thesis focuses on the pyroarchaeological record of Roca dels Bous and Cova del Trader, and on generating an experimental reference for interpreting microarchaeological traces linked to fire practices.
Who are we?
IPHES-CERCA (www.iphes.cat) is an international reference centre in Quaternary Archaeology and Human Evolution, based in Tarragona. It is recognised as a "María de Maeztu" Centre of Excellence (CEX2024‑001485‑M) and is part of the CERCA programme of the Generalitat de Catalunya.
With almost 75 professionals, IPHES-CERCA combines science, innovation and social impact to understand human behaviour throughout prehistory.
The centre holds the HR Excellence in Research seal from the European Commission, certifying its commitment to open, transparent and merit‑based recruitment (OTM‑R), equal opportunities and professional development of research and technical staff.
What will be your main functions?
Develop a predoctoral research project focused on the functionality of fire in Middle Palaeolithic sites.
Design and execute the work plan for the doctoral thesis, employing archaeo‑experimental and microarchaeological methods.
Collect, manage and analyze data using up‑to‑date scientific methodologies such as phytolith analysis, microcarbon analysis, and FTIR.
Participate in archaeological fieldwork, sample collection and experimental archaeology sessions.
Disseminate results through publications, conferences and outreach activities.
Engage in training activities and seminars related to the project.
Promote good practices in research, open science, scientific integrity and gender inclusion.
Where to apply E‑mail jobs@iphes.cat
Requirements Education Level: Master’s degree or equivalent in Archaeology, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Botany, or related disciplines. Not in possession of a doctoral degree or have started doctoral studies. Meet the enrolment requirements for the Doctoral Programme of the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) for the academic year 2026‑2027.
Languages: English – Good level.
Additional Information What we offer you
Full 4‑year predoctoral contract under the current regulations of the call. Enrolment in the URV Doctoral Programme in Quaternary and Prehistory, with financial support for enrolment expenses and research stays (up to €7,000). Access to a complete training itinerary including internal seminars, specialised training in microarchaeological techniques, experimental archaeology, open science, scientific dissemination and short stays in international research centres.
Supervision and mentoring within the FIRE‑SPARK project, integration into a multidisciplinary and highly specialised team. Full access to the scientific facilities of IPHES‑CERCA, including specialised laboratories and advanced technical services. An international, collaborative and scientifically stimulating work environment.
Expected incorporation: March 2026. Remuneration is provided by the Statute of Research Staff in Training (EPIF) in accordance with Royal Decree 103/2019 and current regulations, with progressive increases over the four years.
How to submit your candidacy
Send documentation to jobs@iphes.cat with subject: IPHES_FIRE‑SPARK_PID_PREDOC. For questions related to the thesis project or the selection process, contact: aburguet@iphes.cat.
Documentation required in the first phase
Letter of motivation (maximum 2 pages).
Curriculum vitae (maximum 4 pages, following the CVA English or CVA Castellano model).
Disability certificate (if applicable).
Documentation required in the second phase
Copies of degrees and academic certificates.
Submission deadline: 21 January 2026. More information:
IPHES job opportunities
Evaluation criteria Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria (maximum score: 100 points):
Criterion 1. Academic and scientific career (up to 50 points)
Scientific and technical contributions (up to 45 points): average grades, research activities, communications, posters or scientific publications, internships, courses or scholarships.
Mobility and international experience (up to 5 points): Erasmus stays, international scholarships or scientific volunteering.
Criterion 2. Adequacy of the profile and skills (up to 50 points)
Adaptation of the profile to the line of research (20 points).
Knowledge of languages other than mother tongue (minimum B1) (10 points).
Key competences: analytical and critical thinking, scientific communication, teamwork, planning, autonomy, initiative, adaptability and continuous learning (20 points).
Phase 1: Documentary evaluation (maximum 100 points). Minimum score to progress to Phase 2: 50 points.
Phase 2: Personal interviews and final evaluation (maximum additional 20 points). The final total score can be up to 120 points.
The candidate with the highest total score will be selected. In case of a tie, the Selection Committee will apply tie‑breaking criteria such as higher average grade.
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