Postdoc Position(s) at the Max Planck – University of Helsinki Centre for Social Inequalities i[...]

Postdoc Position(s) at the Max Planck – University of Helsinki Centre for Social Inequalities in Population Health

The Max Planck – University of Helsinki Center for Social Inequalities in Population Health is currently seeking to appoint one or more full‑time post‑doctoral researchers. We welcome applications from researchers with a PhD in demography, sociology, statistics, epidemiology, public health, biology, anthropology, economics, computer science, or allied fields. The successful candidate(s) will work on the role of genetic factors in shaping health inequalities, and/or develop novel techniques for leveraging genetic data. We also invite applicants interested in the Centre’s other research themes—family and health, health inequalities in an international perspective, as well as topics covered in the Department of Social Demography at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) such as fertility, mortality, morbidity, and labour markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects on the genetic causes of health inequalities.
• Develop and apply novel methodological approaches to genetic data.
• Collaborate across the Centre and MPIDR on related research themes.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field.
• Advanced knowledge of quantitative methods and statistical software such as R, Python, or Stata.
• Self‑driven, collaborative, and innovative research style.

Additional Requirements

• Applicants should have completed their doctoral degree; candidates expected to finish in 2026 are also welcome to apply.

Our Offer

Contract up to 4 years with remuneration commensurate to experience (starting from approximately 64,900 EUR gross per year for recent PhDs up to about 74,600 EUR for more senior scientists) based on the German public sector salary system (Öffentlicher Dienst, TVöD Bund). Positions are located at the MPIDR in Rostock, Germany, with relocation support available. Applicants will also have opportunities to work with the Helsinki unit of the Centre, which hosts a unique four‑decade Finnish data set critical to the research agenda.

Your Application

Please apply online via the survey and include in a single PDF file:

• Letter of interest (max. 1 page)
• Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages, focusing on relevant achievements)
• A writing example (e.g., a publication)
• Contact information for up to 2 academic referees

Contact

For general inquiries, please contact Christian Dudel at .

About Us

The MPIDR is one of the leading demographic research centres worldwide and is part of the Max Planck Society. The Centre leverages linked family‑based data, natural experimental designs, genetically‑informed social epidemiological data, and advanced dynamic modelling techniques to uncover the social processes generating health inequalities.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer. Respect and inclusivity are central to our culture, and we value diversity in gender, background, beliefs, abilities, and identities. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing career opportunities for women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from under‑represented groups.