Doctoral contract (M/F) in applied geophysics for archaeology – 36 months

Job Description

Thesis Subject

PhD Title: Geophysical Analysis of a Roman Town: Morphological Evolution of Lugdunum Convenarum (Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Haute-Garonne)

PhD Topic:
In recent years, geophysical methods applied to archaeology have enabled the mapping of a number of Roman towns in Gaul, providing a considerable amount of data across large areas, far beyond the extent of archaeological excavations which, at the same time, tend to become increasingly limited as investigations grow more detailed. While these geophysical datasets have greatly contributed to improving the targeting of excavations and providing an overall image of ancient towns, the renewal and/or redefinition of urban research questions based on geophysical data has remained relatively underexplored.

In this context, the Roman town of Lugdunum Convenarum (Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Haute-Garonne), now largely returned to agricultural land, constitutes an exceptional case study. On the one hand, geophysical methods make it possible to map the entire urban space and its suburbs, allowing work on an almost completely documented city. On the other hand, the site has been the subject of numerous geophysical surveys employing a variety of techniques (ground-penetrating radar, electrical, and magnetic methods), thus providing an ideal framework for reflecting on the complementarity and interoperability of these different approaches.

The site therefore brings together the ideal conditions for developing an in-depth reflection on the geophysical analysis of urban morphology and its transformations, from the foundation of the Roman town to its gradual disappearance during the Early Middle Ages. From the scale of individual monuments to that of entire neighbourhoods, this PhD project aims to identify and evaluate the morphological characteristics of urban space accessible through geophysical analysis, while also defining the types of historical and spatial approaches that such data make possible. Particular attention will also be paid to comparing geophysical results with data derived from archaeological excavations and historical maps.

From a methodological perspective, one of the key challenges associated with analysing such a large quantity of data lies in the evaluation and adaptation of existing artificial intelligence solutions for the automated detection of geophysical signatures. In addition, the exploitation of ground-penetrating radar data will focus on advanced three-dimensional integration and analysis of radar datasets, which is essential for reconstructing stratigraphic dynamics and conducting the study of urban morphology. The complementarity of the different methods employed (ground-penetrating radar, magnetic, electrical, and electromagnetic surveys) will also need to be taken into account and assessed in order to characterise in detail the constitutive elements of urban space, including the analysis and function of open areas, the phasing of built spaces and road networks, and the characterisation of construction materials.

Expected Skills:
- Academic background in archaeology and archaeomatics
- Strong knowledge of geophysics applied to archaeology
- Experience in the analysis and interpretation of geophysical data is desirable, particularly for ground-penetrating radar
- Field experience in archaeology and geophysical survey would be appreciated
- Good command of GIS software
- Knowledge of databases
- Rigour, organisational skills, autonomy, and responsiveness

Your Work Environment

The PhD will be carried out in Lyon at Université Lumière Lyon 2 within the Archéorient laboratory. A co-supervision arrangement will be established with the AOROC laboratory.

Regular fieldwork campaigns will be organised for the collection of geophysical data at the site of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges. The PhD candidate will be integrated into the Collective Research Project on the ancient town led by AOROC, which will provide access to the full set of data collected on the ancient site.

Constraints and risks

- Daily presence at the Archéorient laboratory is required in order to access the geophysical data processing software and to collaborate with the geophysics research group.
- Research visits to the AOROC laboratory in Paris will also be necessary.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

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