15 PhD Positions in the UNCHANGE MSCA Doctoral Network

Introduction

Researchers interested in artificial intelligence, advanced imaging, materials science, and cultural heritage have a new European research opportunity to watch closely. The 15 PhD Positions in the UNCHANGE MSCA Doctoral Network will bring doctoral researchers together to study how cultural heritage changes and how technology can help protect it. The network will recruit 15 doctoral candidates across nine beneficiaries in Europe and will operate from 2027 to 2031. 

UNCHANGE combines heritage science with computational methods, imaging, data analysis, and artificial intelligence. Its research covers everything from hyperspectral imaging to digital restoration and predictive conservation. Therefore, the programme may appeal to applicants who want to build a research career at the intersection of technology and cultural heritage. This guide explains the research areas, eligibility expectations, funding context, application strategy, and important points to check before applying.

What Is the UNCHANGE MSCA Doctoral Network?

UNCHANGE stands for UNderstanding change in Cultural Heritage: the Next Generation of Experts. It is funded through the European Union’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) under Horizon Europe. The project begins on 1 March 2027 and ends on 28 February 2031. Its recorded EU contribution is approximately €4.75 million. 

The network is coordinated by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The official UNCHANGE website reports seven countries, nine beneficiaries, seven partners, and 15 doctoral candidates. 

More importantly, UNCHANGE addresses a practical conservation problem. Cultural heritage objects change because of environmental conditions, material ageing, and earlier human interventions. Some forms of deterioration remain difficult to measure before visible damage becomes significant. The project therefore combines scientific measurement, modelling, and AI-based visualisation to support better conservation decisions. 

15 PhD Positions in UNCHANGE: Research Areas

The UNCHANGE PhD positions in Europe are divided across four broad research themes. Each theme addresses a different stage of understanding cultural heritage change.

Imaging and Documentation

The first group focuses on documenting heritage objects and monitoring changes with advanced imaging technologies. Projects include appearance monitoring, 3D object modelling, hyperspectral imaging, and advanced Reflectance Transformation Imaging.

These topics suit applicants with interests in computer vision, optical technologies, imaging science, or digital documentation. 

Materials and Degradation

The second group examines how heritage materials deteriorate. Research projects cover degradation mapping, fading, moisture in artworks, surface change analysis, and wall painting studies.

This area can be a strong match for graduates in chemistry, materials science, conservation science, physics, or related engineering disciplines. 

Analysis and Characterisation

Another set of projects investigates heritage materials through advanced analytical and computational approaches. The listed topics include light sensitivity, surface modelling, and multimodal analysis.

For applicants with experience in data analysis, modelling, spectroscopy, imaging, or scientific characterisation, these projects may provide a particularly relevant direction.

Digital Twins and Digital Restoration

The final theme connects cultural heritage with emerging digital technologies. UNCHANGE includes doctoral projects on heritage digital twins, digital restoration, and predictive conservation.

The project uses computational modelling and AI to support monitoring, visualisation, and prediction. The official UNCHANGE project description also identifies digital twins as a tool for exploring past, present, and future states of heritage objects. 

Who Can Apply for UNCHANGE PhD Positions?

The official EURAXESS announcement states that detailed eligibility requirements will vary by doctoral position. Therefore, applicants should not assume that one academic profile will fit all 15 projects. 

Potentially relevant backgrounds include:

• • Computer science and computational science

  • Artificial intelligence and data analysis

  • Imaging and image processing

  • Physics and optical technologies

  • Materials science and chemistry

  • Engineering

  • Heritage science and conservation science

  • Digital heritage

In addition, standard MSCA Doctoral Network rules require researchers to comply with applicable mobility requirements. In general, a doctoral candidate must not have lived or carried out their main activity in the recruiting country for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately before recruitment. Candidates also cannot already hold a doctoral degree when recruited. 

However, applicants should treat these as MSCA-level requirements and then verify the precise conditions for their selected UNCHANGE position.

Funding and Benefits to Expect

UNCHANGE itself is an MSCA Doctoral Network. Under the MSCA framework, recruited doctoral researchers receive support through a living allowance and a mobility allowance. A family allowance may also apply, while additional provisions can exist for long-term leave and special needs. 

The financial package is more than a salary figure. MSCA Doctoral Networks also support research, training, and networking activities. This structure gives doctoral candidates a broader professional development experience than a research project conducted in isolation. 

Importantly, the exact employment terms, salary after applicable deductions, and institutional conditions should be confirmed in each UNCHANGE vacancy notice. Do not rely on salary figures from unrelated MSCA projects.

How to Prepare for the UNCHANGE PhD Recruitment

The EURAXESS notice says recruitment is expected to begin soon. At the time of writing, it does not provide a final application deadline for the 15 positions. Applicants should therefore monitor the official UNCHANGE vacancies page and individual project announcements. 

Step 1: Select the Right Research Project

Start with the research topic rather than the university name. Read the descriptions of DC1 through DC15 and identify two or three projects that closely match your background.

For example, a computer vision graduate may be better suited to 3D object models or appearance monitoring than a materials degradation project. A conservation science graduate may prefer moisture, fading, or wall painting research.

Step 2: Match Your Evidence to the Project

Next, connect your academic experience to the doctoral topic. Do not simply list software, laboratory techniques, or courses.

Instead, explain what you used, what problem you solved, and what you learned. A small research project in hyperspectral imaging can be highly relevant when presented with a clear research outcome.

Step 3: Prepare a Focused Academic Profile

Keep your CV research-oriented. Highlight:

• • Degrees and relevant coursework

  • Thesis or dissertation work

  • Research methods and technical skills

  • Publications or conference activity

  • Laboratory, coding, imaging, or modelling experience

  • Research interests connected to the chosen project

A focused CV can make it easier for supervisors to see your fit.

Step 4: Check Mobility and Recruitment Rules

Mobility requirements can eliminate otherwise strong candidates. Therefore, review your residence and study or employment history carefully before submitting an application.

Indian and other international applicants should also check entry, visa, and qualification-recognition requirements for the relevant host country.

Expert Tips for a Stronger Application

A common mistake is treating every doctoral vacancy as a generic scholarship application. UNCHANGE is more specialised. The strongest application should demonstrate a clear connection between your previous training and the selected research challenge.

For instance, a candidate with a master’s degree in computer science does not need previous museum experience to show relevance. Instead, they can explain how image analysis, machine learning, or 3D reconstruction could address a specific heritage research problem.

Moreover, avoid submitting the same motivation letter to several projects. Tailor the document to the scientific question, methods, and expected contribution of each position.

Finally, check every project requirement once the vacancies are formally published. Eligibility, host institution, documentation, deadline, and application method may differ between doctoral positions.

Summary Table

Conclusion

The 15 PhD Positions in the UNCHANGE MSCA Doctoral Network offer an unusual combination of cultural heritage research and advanced technology. Applicants can explore topics ranging from hyperspectral imaging and degradation mapping to AI-enabled digital twins and predictive conservation. The programme is particularly relevant for researchers who want an interdisciplinary European research environment. Since recruitment is expected soon, preparation should begin before the vacancies formally open. Review the official UNCHANGE project information, match your background to specific doctoral projects, and monitor the vacancy announcements for confirmed eligibility and deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)