Are you interested in combining computational science, artificial intelligence, advanced imaging and cultural heritage preservation? The UNCHANGE MSCA Doctoral Network is preparing to recruit 15 PhD candidates across 9 beneficiaries in Europe.
Running from 2027 to 2031, UNCHANGE brings together expertise in heritage science, advanced imaging, materials analysis, data science, AI and digital technologies. The network aims to develop new approaches for understanding, documenting, preserving and restoring cultural heritage.
About the UNCHANGE Doctoral Network
UNCHANGE is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network funded by the European Union.
The project will create an interdisciplinary European research and training environment where doctoral candidates can work at the intersection of science, technology and cultural heritage.
Through its 15 PhD projects, the network will investigate how advanced scientific and computational methods can help researchers better understand changes occurring in cultural heritage objects and sites and develop innovative approaches to their long-term conservation.
The programme brings together 9 beneficiaries across Europe, providing candidates with an opportunity to become part of an international and multidisciplinary research network.
15 PhD Research Opportunities
The doctoral positions cover four broad research areas.
Imaging & Documentation
Researchers in this area will investigate advanced techniques for capturing, monitoring and digitally documenting cultural heritage.
Available doctoral projects include:
- DC1 – Appearance Monitoring
- DC2 – 3D Object Models
- DC3 – Hyperspectral Imaging
- DC8 – Advanced RTI
These projects will explore technologies capable of documenting objects in detail and identifying visual or physical changes that might otherwise be difficult to detect.
Materials & Degradation
Understanding how heritage materials change over time is essential for developing effective conservation strategies.
Projects within this research area include:
- DC5 – Degradation Mapping
- DC6 – Fading Aspects
- DC7 – Moisture in Artworks
- DC14 – Surface Change Analysis
- DC15 – Wall Painting Studies
Doctoral candidates will investigate deterioration processes affecting cultural heritage materials and develop scientific methods for monitoring and understanding these changes.
Analysis & Characterisation
Another group of projects will focus on advanced techniques for analysing heritage materials and surfaces.
The research projects include:
- DC4 – Light Sensitivity
- DC9 – Surface Modelling
- DC10 – Multimodal Analysis
The work will combine different analytical and computational approaches to better characterise heritage objects and understand their condition.
Digital Twins & Digital Restoration
Digital technologies are increasingly becoming important tools for cultural heritage conservation.
UNCHANGE will recruit doctoral candidates for projects including:
- DC11 – Heritage Digital Twins
- DC12 – Digital Restoration
- DC13 – Predictive Conservation
These projects will explore technologies such as digital twins, computational modelling, artificial intelligence and predictive methods to support heritage documentation, restoration and conservation.
An Interdisciplinary Research Environment
The UNCHANGE network brings together areas including:
Heritage Science | Advanced Imaging | Data Analysis | Artificial Intelligence | Digital Technologies | Materials Science | Computational Modelling | Conservation
This interdisciplinary structure can be particularly attractive to researchers interested in applying emerging technologies to real-world challenges surrounding the protection of cultural heritage.
Doctoral candidates will also become part of a wider European research network, allowing them to develop experience beyond an individual research project and interact with researchers working across complementary disciplines.
Who Should Follow This Opportunity?
The positions may be relevant for early-stage researchers with backgrounds connected to areas such as:
- Computer and computational sciences
- Artificial intelligence and data analysis
- Imaging and image processing
- Physics and optical technologies
- Materials science
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Heritage science
- Conservation science
- Digital heritage and related disciplines
Specific academic and eligibility requirements are expected to vary between individual doctoral positions.
Recruitment Starting Soon
The 15 PhD positions will be hosted across 9 beneficiaries in Europe, and recruitment is expected to begin soon.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to explore the individual doctoral projects and follow the UNCHANGE project for announcements regarding host institutions, eligibility criteria, application requirements and deadlines.
Further information about the project and upcoming recruitment is available through the UNCHANGE project
Researchers in India interested in doctoral research and career opportunities in Europe can also continue following EURAXESS India for updates on research vacancies, MSCA opportunities, funding programmes and research careers across Europe.