Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, Jena, Germany
About the Position
The Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology in Jena Germany is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Urban Studies Urban Planning Urban Resilience and Urban Land Use. This prestigious position is based within the Department of Coevolution of Land Use and Urbanization and focuses on interdisciplinary research into the dynamic interactions between urban environments and the Earth system across time. The successful candidate will work with archaeological historical and contemporary urban datasets to inform and transform policy-relevant planning strategies. The fellowship offers a unique opportunity to engage in long-term global research on human settlement systems at one of the world’s leading institutes for geoanthropological studies.
Position Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow (f/m/d)
- Institution: Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology
- Department: Coevolution of Land Use and Urbanization
- Research Field: Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Location: Jena Germany
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time Fixed-term Research Fellowship (up to 3 years)
- Start Date Anticipated: 1 September 2025 (flexible)
- Working Hours: 39 hours per week
- Salary Range: Based on TVöD pay group 13 (depending on experience)
- Required Degree Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Urban resilience and sustainability
- Urban planning networks and land use systems
- Historical and archaeological urban analysis
- Earth system modelling and socioecological transitions
- Urban policy connectivity and scaling dynamics
Eligibility and Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- PhD in Urban Studies Urban Planning Sociology Demography or Computational Research
- Strong background in urban theory planning systems or multidisciplinary dataset integration
- Demonstrated academic writing and publishing experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience analysing historical archaeological or ethnographic data
- Interest in modelling urban resilience over time and space
- Experience with public science communication or stakeholder outreach
Key Responsibilities
- Lead interdisciplinary research combining deep-time and modern urban systems
- Integrate historical and archaeological urban data with planning models
- Contribute to publications policy outputs and international collaborations
- Support global initiatives in sustainable land use and urban planning
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted by email to Dr Patrick Roberts at
📧 roberts@gea.mpg.de
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae with publication list
- Summary of past research
- Statement of interest
- Up to 10 peer-reviewed publications
- Degree and qualification certificates
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Currently open (rolling basis)
- Application Deadline: Not specified early applications recommended
- Interview Date: To be scheduled individually
- Start Date: 1 September 2025 or as agreed
Useful Links
- Institution Website: www.gea.mpg.de
- Job Posting: Official Listing
- Apply Now: roberts@gea.mpg.de
