Research Assistant Position in Prehistory at Kiel University, Germany

About the Position

The Institute of Prehistory and Early History at Kiel University is inviting applications for a Research Assistant in the field of Archaeological Demography and Proxy Development as part of the ESTER (Estimating the Earth’s Prehistoric Population Based on a Large Number of Records) project. This role is part of an exciting interdisciplinary research initiative that integrates archaeology, quantitative modelling, and GIS-based analysis to reconstruct prehistoric population dynamics and explore their connection to environmental and social changes.

Position/Job Details

Position: Research Assistant
Institution: Kiel University
Department: Institute of Prehistory and Early History
Research Field: Archaeological Demography, Proxy Development
Location: Kiel, Germany
Number of Posts: 1
Job Type: Full-time (80% FTE), Fixed-term (36 months)
Start Date (Anticipated): Flexible in 2025
Working Hours: 30.96 hours/week (80% of full-time)
Salary Range: Pay group 13 TV-L (based on German public service scale)
Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s/PhD

Research Area

Archaeological demography
Prehistoric settlement analysis
GIS-based landscape archaeology
Statistical and Bayesian modelling
Archaeological proxies
Environmental archaeology
Digital archaeology (archaeoinformatics)
Southwest Asia archaeology

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Completed Master’s or Doctorate in prehistoric archaeology, archaeoinformatics, environmental archaeology, or a related field
Experience working with archaeological datasets, especially settlement and site data
Knowledge of GIS and basic statistical modelling (e.g., in R or Python)
Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken – C1 level)

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity with Bayesian modelling methods
Understanding of archaeological proxies
Knowledge of Southwest Asian archaeology
Proven ability to write scientific texts and collaborate across disciplines

Key Responsibilities

Compile and analyze archaeological datasets related to demographic history
Develop and apply archaeological population indicators (proxies)
Contribute to the ESTER project’s Bayesian modelling frameworks
Conduct GIS-based analysis of settlement and land-use patterns
Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with project partners
Participate in public communication and dissemination of research findings

Application Process

How to Apply

Submit your application as a single PDF file via email to: martin.hinz@ufg.uni-kiel.de
Use the subject line: "ESTER Postdoc Application – [Your Name]"

Required Documents: