Research Fellow Position in Palaeoenvironmental Demography – ESTER Project at Kiel University, Germany. Kiel University invites applications for a fixed-term Research Fellow position in Palaeoenvironmental Demography and Proxy Integration within the Institute for Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology in Kiel, Germany. This research position is offered for 36 months, from September 2026 to August 2029.
The role focuses on palaeoenvironmental datasets, demographic reconstruction, archaeological modelling, and environmental proxy integration. In particular, the successful candidate will work with pollen, vegetation, land-use, sediment, and ancient DNA datasets to investigate prehistoric population dynamics across Eurasia. Moreover, the researcher will contribute to quantitative analysis, GIS-based interpretation, and hierarchical Bayesian modelling within the interdisciplinary ESTER project.
The position is linked to the ESTER project and provides access to advanced modelling frameworks, regional demographic datasets, and interdisciplinary archaeological collaborations. Consequently, the successful applicant will engage with innovative computational methods, spatial environmental analysis, and prehistoric settlement research across multiple temporal scales.
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree or PhD in palaeoecology, environmental archaeology, geoarchaeology, palynology, palaeogenetics, or a related discipline. Strong experience with palaeoenvironmental datasets, statistical analysis in R, GIS applications, and interdisciplinary archaeological research is highly desirable. Furthermore, experience with Bayesian approaches and scientific publishing will be advantageous.
This is a fixed-term academic research position offering salary support under TV-L E13 funding regulations. The role provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to internationally recognised archaeological demography research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and high-impact scientific publications within a globally respected academic environment.
Position Details
- Position: Research Fellow (m/f/d) – Palaeoenvironmental Demography and Proxy Integration
- Institution: Kiel University, Germany
- Department: Institute for Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology
- Research Field: Palaeoecology, Environmental Archaeology, Archaeological Demography
- Location: Kiel, Germany
- Job Type: Postdoctoral / Research Fellow
- Number of Positions: 1
- Start Date: September 2026
- Working Hours: 30.96 hours per week
- Salary / Funding: Funded position under TV-L E13
- Required Degree / Diploma: Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field
The Kiel University positions are highly competitive, attracting global applicants. Discover more academic jobs and research opportunities in Germany, offering fully funded roles and international research exposure across disciplines.
Research Area
- Palaeoenvironmental and archaeological demography
- Bayesian modelling and environmental reconstruction
- GIS-based spatial archaeology
- Ancient DNA and land-use analysis
- Prehistoric population dynamics in Eurasia
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Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements
- Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant discipline
- Experience with palaeoenvironmental datasets
- Knowledge of quantitative environmental time-series analysis
- Experience with proxy harmonisation and data standardisation
- Strong English communication skills (C1 level equivalent)
- Experience writing and publishing scientific research
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Bayesian or hierarchical statistical modelling
- GIS and spatial environmental analysis expertise
- Knowledge of land-use or vegetation reconstruction
- Experience with archaeological demographic datasets
- Interdisciplinary research collaboration experience
Global postdoctoral jobs and academic careers increasingly value interdisciplinary archaeological research, computational modelling, and international collaboration experience.
Scholars seeking international academic careers can also explore fully funded European postdoctoral opportunities and prestigious visiting researcher programmes open to scholars worldwide.
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Key Responsibilities
- Compile and analyse palaeoenvironmental datasets
- Integrate environmental proxies into demographic models
- Conduct GIS-based spatial analyses
- Support archaeological population reconstruction research
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary project partners
- Disseminate research findings through publications and presentations
Application Process
Applications should be submitted as a single PDF file to martin.hinz@ufg.uni-kiel.de with the subject line “ESTER Postdoc 2 Application – [Your Name]”.
Required Documents
- Motivation letter
- Academic CV
- List of publications
- Master’s degree certificate
- PhD certificate (if applicable)
- Relevant supporting documents
- English-language application materials
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Open now
- Application Deadline: 31 May 2026 (Germany Time Zone)
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: September 2026
Official Information
- University/Institution: Kiel University
- Research Group / Lab: ESTER Project
- Job ID: Not specified
- Official Notification: Research Fellow – Palaeoenvironmental Demography and Proxy Integration
Where to Apply
👉 Apply now via email to martin.hinz@ufg.uni-kiel.de.
Early applications are encouraged, as funded archaeology and palaeoenvironmental research positions in Europe attract strong international interest each year.
This position offers interdisciplinary training, global research networks, and hands-on research experience in palaeoenvironmental archaeology and demographic modelling, with opportunities for scientific publishing and academic career development at Kiel University in Germany.
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