Doctoral researcher position at Kiel University - Cluster of Excellence ROOTS

Organisation/Company Cluster of Excellence ROOTS Research Field History » Archaeology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 24 Mar 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Cluster of Excellence ROOTS (Social, Environmental, and Cultural Connectivity in Past Societies) at Kiel University explores the deep history of tightly intertwined social and environmental processes, in order to explain their long-term developments and to understand how they resonate into the present ( ). ROOTS combines expertise from a wide array of disciplines ranging from archaeology to other natural sciences, life sciences, and humanities, creating a unique bridge between different scientific cultures. The ROOTSexperts are organized into six subclusters (Hazards, Dietary, Knowledge, Urban, Inequalities, Conflict), three supportive research platforms (Technical Platform, Data Management and Data Science Platform, Outreach and Dissemination Platform), as well as diverse central units (ROOTS Academy, Reflective Turn Forum, Methods Nucleus) to collectively pursue a research agenda targeting key parameters of socio-environmental connectivity related to (1) human subsistence and biodiversity; (2) inequality and conflict; (3) technology and environmental impact; (4) boundaries and well-being.

ROOTS invites applications for a doctoral researcher position in Subcluster Urban ROOTS starting as soon as possible. The salary is based on the German public pay scale (TV-L 13) if the conditions of the collective agreement are met. The regular weekly working hours are 65% of a full-time employee (currently 25.16 hours). The position is limited to 3,5 years with the option of extension.

Profile: Archaeology
The candidate will investigate the configuration, transgression or disruption of urban boundaries in towns and/or urban historic landscapes during the Global Middle Ages (esp. 8th–14th century CE) using archaeological as well as historical data. The aim of the project is to compare these developments in terms of time, space or subjects.
Urban environments are understood as being sites of embedded practices and patterns of social behavior in their interaction with the ecological environment, characterized by processes of both connection and boundary-making. We therefore expect a research perspective informed by theoretical approaches related to this understanding of Urban Studies.

This vacancy is open to employees of the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein and external applicants equally. Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel is committed to employing people with disabilities: applications from severely disabled persons and persons of equal status will be given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified.

The university strives to increase the proportion of female scientists in research and teaching
and therefore strongly encourages suitably qualified women to apply. Women will be given priority if they have equivalent qualifications, skills, and professional performance.

Christian Albrecht University of Kiel sees itself as a modern and cosmopolitan employer. We welcome your application regardless of your age, gender, cultural and social background, religion, ideology, disability, or sexual identity. We promote gender equality. You can read more about our values in our code of conduct.

We expressly welcome applications from people with a migration background.
We are convinced that diverse perspectives within our team significantly contribute to the quality of our research and to a constructive working environment. Therefore, we actively support diversity in all of its dimensions

Before submitting an application, candidates are required to contact potential supervisors within the ROOTS ( ) to find out whether their proposed project fits into the research foci of ROOTS and they have to submit a written confirmation from the contacted potential supervisor.

Your application should include:

• a cover letter
• CV (including list of publications)
• the proposed doctoral project outline (in no longer than 1500 words), including a brief summary, state of the art, a concise project description, and a work schedule
• the names of two references with contact information
• a copy (in .pdf format) of your master-thesis or proof of equivalent qualification
• certificates of academic degrees
• written confirmation from the contacted potential supervisor

All application documents must be submitted in English (except for master’s theses, certificates must be in English or German at least).

Please send your application as a single PDF file to:

We expressly do not require photographs/application photos and therefore ask that you refrain
from submitting them. Please note that all documents will be destroyed after the recruitment
process has been completed.
Please note that applications containing only a CV are considered incomplete and unfortunately cannot be considered in the further process.

Where to apply

E-mail

Requirements

Research Field History » Archaeology Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Eligible candidates must hold a very good academic degree (MA, MSc or equivalent) in Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology, Historical Archaeology or Medieval Archaeology, as well as experience in analysing excavations, ideally in an urban environment.
Candidates should also demonstrate their potential for interdisciplinary collaborative work, particularly in relation to the disciplines represented in Urban Roots.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Kiel University - Cluster of Excellence ROOTS Country Germany City Kiel Postal Code 24118 Street Leibnizstraße 3 Geofield