Researchers working in archaeological demography and quantitative archaeology now have an opportunity to join the ESTER project at Kiel University in Germany. The university is inviting applications for a funded PhD Researcher position in Archaeological Demography at the Institute for Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology in Kiel.
The doctoral project forms part of the international ESTER initiative (Estimating Eurasia’s Prehistoric Population), which investigates long-term population dynamics across prehistoric Eurasia through archaeological and statistical analysis. The position combines archaeological datasets, demographic modelling, and computational methods within an interdisciplinary research environment.
The selected candidate will contribute to the compilation and analysis of large-scale archaeological datasets, including settlement records and chronological evidence. Research activities will involve demographic estimation, exploratory data analysis, and Bayesian modelling approaches aimed at reconstructing prehistoric population patterns and settlement dynamics.
The project also provides opportunities for collaboration within an international research network through conferences, workshops, and academic exchange activities linked to the ESTER consortium.
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Archaeology, Digital Archaeology, Environmental Archaeology, or a related field. Experience working with archaeological datasets and an interest in quantitative research methods are expected. Familiarity with statistical tools such as R and knowledge of computational or data-driven archaeology would be advantageous.
The position is offered for 48 months beginning in September 2026 under the German E13 TV-L salary framework at 65% employment (25.16 hours per week). Alongside doctoral research, the role includes academic training, research dissemination, and participation in collaborative international scholarship.
Programme Overview
- Position: PhD Researcher / Doctoral Candidate
- Institution: Kiel University
- Department: Institute for Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology
- Research Project: ESTER – Estimating Eurasia’s Prehistoric Population
- Supervisor: Martin Hinz
- Location: Kiel
- Duration: 48 months
- Start Date: September 2026
- Funding: E13 TV-L (65%)
- Working Hours: 25.16 hours per week
The PhD positions at Kiel University are highly competitive and attract international applicants from archaeology, environmental sciences, and digital humanities. Discover more funded doctoral positions and academic opportunities in Germany, and connect with globally recognised universities and leading academic research institutions.
Research Areas
- Quantitative Archaeological Methods
- Archaeological Demography
- Bayesian and Statistical Modelling
- Settlement and Population Dynamics
- Digital Archaeology
Explore additional archaeology and heritage research opportunities at universities and research institutes worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Archaeology, Digital Archaeology, Environmental Archaeology, or related field
- Interest in archaeological demography and quantitative methods
- Basic experience with archaeological datasets (sites, dating, settlement data)
- Good English language skills (minimum B2 level)
- Strong motivation for PhD-level academic research
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with R or statistical programming tools
- Familiarity with data-driven or computational archaeology
- Knowledge of Bayesian or quantitative modelling approaches
- Strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills
This is a PhD researcher position designed for early-stage researchers seeking advanced training in archaeological data science and population modelling.
International applicants interested in funded PhD opportunities may also explore recent doctoral positions, scholarships and research positions worldwide.
Key Responsibilities
- Compile, process, and document archaeological datasets for the ESTER project
- Develop archaeological demographic indicators and proxies
- Support statistical and Bayesian modelling of archaeological data
- Conduct exploratory analysis of settlement patterns and temporal trends
- Develop an independent PhD research project within the ESTER framework
- Present research findings at conferences, workshops, and academic events
Application Process
Applications should be submitted as a single PDF file to martin.hinz@ufg.uni-kiel.de with the subject line “ESTER PhD Application – Your Name”.
Required Documents:
- Motivation letter (max 2 pages, English)
- Updated CV with relevant academic experience
- Copies of academic degrees (Master’s or equivalent)
- List of publications (if applicable)
- All documents compiled in a single PDF file
Why This Opportunity Matters
This PhD offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of:
- Archaeological Demography
- Quantitative and Statistical Archaeology
- Data Science and Computational Modelling
- Eurasian Prehistoric Research
It provides advanced training, international collaboration, and exposure to high-impact scientific research and peer-reviewed publications in leading archaeological journals.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 8 May 2026
- Application Deadline: 31 May 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Interview Period: To be announced
- Expected Start Date: September 2026
Readers interested in European academic careers may also explore funded postdoctoral fellowships and visiting scholar programmes across Germany and Europe.
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Official Information
- University/Institution: Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (CAU)
- Research Group: ESTER Project
- Job ID: Not specified
- Official Notification: PhD Researcher – Archaeological Demography and Data Integration (ESTER Project)
Where to Apply
👉 Apply now via email to – martin.hinz@ufg.uni-kiel.de
This is a time-sensitive opportunity for researchers aiming to enter archaeological data science, with strong potential for international collaboration, publications, and academic career progression in prehistoric research.
For more global opportunities, explore the latest listings on HigherJobz’s academic research jobs portal, where international higher education vacancies, funded research positions, and university careers are regularly updated for scholars worldwide.
