Kiel University is seeking applications for a Research Associate (Postdoc) in Prehistory Archaeology within the Cluster of Excellence ROOTS. The position focuses on qualitative and quantitative research into social inequality in prehistoric societies.
The full-time funded position begins on 1 January 2027 and runs until 31 December 2029, with the possibility of a two-year extension following a successful evaluation. The role involves interdisciplinary archaeological research into the emergence and development of inequality across past societies.
The successful candidate will advance existing work by examining how different forms of inequality evolved over time using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The project investigates the political, geographical, material, and social conditions that shaped these developments while exploring links between settlement organisation, conflict, resource accessibility, environmental transformation, and technological change.
Working within an interdisciplinary environment, the postholder will join the ROOTS of Social Inequality subcluster and collaborate with colleagues across the wider Cluster of Excellence. The role includes contributing to overarching research questions alongside postdoctoral researchers and doctoral candidates through collaborative analysis of long-term societal change.
As part of this collaborative programme, the successful applicant will strengthen ongoing archaeological scholarship by integrating social theory with empirical evidence. Applicants with expertise in prehistoric archaeology and the study of inequality will help deepen understanding of the factors that influenced social organisation across different regions and periods.
Position Details
- Position: Research Associate (Postdoc) in Qualitative and Quantitative Research into Social Inequality in Prehistoric Societies
- Official Reference Number: Not specified
- Institution: Kiel University, Germany
- Department: Cluster of Excellence ROOTS
- Research Discipline(s): Archaeology, Prehistory, Protohistory, Social Inequality Research
- Location: Kiel, Germany
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Research Position
- Contract Duration: 1 January 2027 – 31 December 2029 (extension of up to two years possible following evaluation)
- Start Date: January 2027
- Working Hours: Full-time (38.7 hours per week)
- Salary/Funding: German Public Service Pay Scale TV-L 13
- Required Qualification: PhD in Prehistory, Protohistory, Archaeology, or an equivalent discipline
Research Areas
The successful candidate will contribute to research in the following areas:
- Social inequality in prehistoric societies
- Qualitative and quantitative archaeological research
- Anthropological, economic, and social theories
- Settlement organisation
- Conflict escalation
- Resource accessibility
- Environmental transformation (human footprint)
- Knowledge transmission
- Technological change
Eligibility / Qualifications
Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic background suitable for interdisciplinary archaeological research.
Required qualifications include:
- Outstanding PhD in Prehistory, Protohistory, Archaeology, or an equivalent discipline (magna cum laude or equivalent)
- Strong knowledge of anthropological, economic, and social theories
- Knowledge of linguistic methodology or willingness to develop expertise
- Excellent publication record including research on social inequality
- English language proficiency at B2 level or higher
- German language proficiency at B2 level (desirable)
Funding and Benefits
Funding and Benefits for Kiel University Prehistory Archaeology Postdoc
- Salary under the German public sector TV-L 13 pay scale
- Full-time position (38.7 hours/week) until December 2029, with possible 2 year of extension
- Flexible working hours supporting a healthy work-life balance
- Annual bonus under the collective agreement
- Thirty days of paid annual leave
- Company pension scheme with a high employer contribution
- Discounted public transport pass
- Access to university sports facilities and staff cafeteria
- Professional development and training opportunities
- An international university environment with secure public sector employment
Key Responsibilities
The successful applicant will contribute to the ROOTS research programme by:
- Developing qualitative and quantitative analyses of prehistoric social inequality across different regions and social groups
- Investigating the social, political, geographical, and material factors that influenced inequality over time
- Participating in the ROOTS of Social Inequality subcluster and collaborating with researchers across related research groups
- Contributing to overarching ROOTS research questions on conflict escalation, settlement organisation, resource accessibility, environmental transformation, and technological change
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the official Kiel University online application portal. Applications submitted by other methods or containing only a CV will be considered incomplete and cannot proceed further.
Applicants should provide:
- Cover letter or statement of purpose
- Curriculum Vitae including a link to the doctoral thesis
- Degree and employment certificates with at least two reference letters
- Evidence of additional qualifications
- Research proposal (maximum 2,500 words) including project summary, current knowledge review, detailed description, and timetable
- Statement explaining how the proposed project aligns with the objectives of the ROOTS Cluster of Excellence
- Proof of disability status, where applicable
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Currently Open
- Application Deadline: 4 September 2026
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: January 2027
Eligible candidates can click Apply Now to access the official vacancy details, application requirements, and submission portal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for this archaeology postdoc position at Kiel University?
Applicants with a PhD in Prehistory, Protohistory, Archaeology, or a related discipline can apply. Candidates should have expertise in social inequality research, relevant theoretical knowledge, and a strong academic publication record.
What is the salary for the Research Associate Postdoc position?
The position follows the German public sector TV-L 13 pay scale and offers full-time employment with 38.7 working hours per week.
When is the application deadline for the Kiel University postdoc?
The application deadline for this Research Associate (Postdoc) position at Kiel University is 4 September 2026.
What documents are required for application?
Applicants must submit a CV, cover letter, certificates, reference letters, research proposal (maximum 2,500 words), and a statement explaining the project’s connection with ROOTS objectives.
Institutional Overview
The Cluster of Excellence ROOTS at Kiel University investigates the long-term relationships between social, cultural, and environmental processes that have shaped human societies. The interdisciplinary research initiative examines how communities developed, adapted, and transformed across different periods through archaeological, historical, and scientific approaches. ROOTS focuses on major questions related to social organisation, inequality, settlement development, conflict, environmental change, and knowledge transmission. By bringing together researchers from multiple disciplines, the Cluster explores the deep historical roots of human societies and provides new perspectives on long-term societal transformations.
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