About the Program
Kiel University offers 9 fully-funded PhD positions within the ROOTS – Cluster of Excellence, focusing on Social, Environmental, and Cultural Connectivity in Past Societies. Each position allows doctoral researchers to pursue interdisciplinary projects combining archaeology, geoarchaeology, environmental archaeology, history, and related disciplines. The positions provide a unique opportunity to engage with quantitative methods, fieldwork, archival research, and international collaboration, under the guidance of leading experts such as Prof. Dr. Martin Furholt and subproject supervisors. Research themes include human-environment interactions, conflict and inequality, urban studies, boundaries, and socio-environmental hazards, spanning regions from Northern Europe to the Baltic Sea and the Middle East, and temporal scopes from the Holocene to the Medieval period. These projects contribute directly to understanding long-term societal, ecological, and technological transformations, aligning with the department’s goals of fostering innovative, interdisciplinary research.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: Kiel University
- Department/Faculty: ROOTS – Cluster of Excellence
- Supervisor: Subproject-specific (see individual contacts below)
- Location: Kiel, Germany
- Start Date (Anticipated): February 2026
- Duration: 3.5 years (with possible extension)
- Funding: Full salary based on German public pay scale (TV-L 13, 65% FTE, ~25.16 hours/week)
- Required Degree/Diploma: MA, MSc, or equivalent in relevant disciplines
Research Focus/Area
- Archaeology
- Geoarchaeology
- Environmental Archaeology
- History / Medieval Studies
- Bioarchaeology / Palynology / Biomarker Analysis
- Social and Cultural Connectivity Studies
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in archaeology, history, environmental sciences, geoarchaeology, or related disciplines
- Written confirmation from a contacted ROOTS supervisor is required before applying
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with quantitative methods, GIS, modelling, palaeoenvironmental or archaeological analyses
- Strong academic record and interest in interdisciplinary research
- Excellent communication skills in English; German knowledge is beneficial
Key Features of the Program
- Interdisciplinary research environment with international collaborations
- Fieldwork, laboratory, and archival research opportunities
- Conference and travel support
- Access to state-of-the-art lab resources and institutional support
- Mentorship and structured doctoral development opportunities
Application Process
How to Apply:
Send your application as a single PDF file to application@roots.uni-kiel.de with the reference number of the chosen subproject.
Required Documents:
- Cover letter
- CV (including list of publications)
- Proposed doctoral project outline (max. 1500 words)
- Two references with contact information
- Copy of master’s thesis or equivalent
- Academic certificates
- Written confirmation from contacted supervisor
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Immediately
- Deadline: 15 December 2025
- Interviews (if applicable): End of February 2026 in Kiel, Germany
Where to Apply
- University Website: Kiel University
- Official Notification: ROOTS Cluster PhD Positions
- Application Portal: application@roots.uni-kiel.de
Learn about more PhD opportunities: HigherJobz
