The Cluster of Excellence ROOTS (Social, Environmental, and Cultural Connectivity in Past Societies) at Kiel University in Germany explores the deep history of tightly intertwined social and environmental processes, in order to explain their long-term developments and to understand how they resonate into the present (https://www.uni-kiel.de/en/cluster-roots). ROOTS combines expertise from a wide array of disciplines ranging from archaeology to other natural sciences, life sciences, and humanities, creating a unique bridge between different scientific cultures.

The ROOTS experts are organized into six subclusters (Hazards, Dietary, Knowledge, Urban, Inequalities, Conflict), three supportive research platforms (Technical Platform, Data Management and Data Science Platform, Outreach and Dissemination Platform), as well as diverse central units (ROOTS Academy, Reflective Turn Forum, Methods Nucleus) to collectively pursue a research agenda targeting key parameters of socio-environmental connectivity related to (1) human subsistence and biodiversity; (2) inequality and conflict; (3) technology and environmental impact; (4) boundaries and well-being.

ROOTS will be housed in the ARCWorlds research building, which is currently being established at Kiel University, in a few years’ time. It will offer highend infrastructure to realize innovative interdisciplinary research.

ROOTS is offering several new career opportunities for early career researchers (9 doctoral and 5 postdoctoral positions) within the ROOTS Academy.

Your application should include the following documents:

For the Postdoctoral Research positions, please send the following documents as a single .pdf file:

• a cover letter;
• CV (including list of publications);
• the proposed research agenda (in no longer than 2500 words), including a brief summary, state of the art, a concise project description, and a work schedule;
• a short statement describing your proposed research contribution with regards to the overall aims of ROOTS;
• the names of two references with contact information;
• a copy (in .pdf format) of your PhD dissertation;
• certificates of academic degrees, including proof of completion of the doctorate.

For the Doctoral Research positions, please send the following documents as a single .pdf file:

• a cover letter;
• CV (including list of publications);
• the proposed doctoral project outline (in no longer than 1500 words), including a brief summary, state of the art, a concise project description, and a work schedule;
• the names of two references with contact information;
• a copy (in .pdf format) of your master-thesis or proof of equivalent qualification;
• certificates of academic degrees;
• written confirmation from the contacted potential supervisor.

All application documents must be submitted in English (except for master’s theses, certificates must be in English or German at least). Please be sure to include the reference number of the position you are applying for at the beginning of your cover letter!

Please send your application as a single PDF file to:

Search Committee
Speaker Prof. Dr. Martin Furholt,
Cluster of Excellence ROOTS, Kiel University,
Leibnizstraße 3, 24118 Kiel, Germany
via e-mail (application@roots.uni-kiel.de)

The application deadline for all positions is December 15, 2025.

We expressly do not require photographs/application photos and therefore ask that you refrain from submitting them.

For further information and the full Job Advertisement please visit our website.