Postdoctoral Researcher Position in “History of Knowledge of the Ancient World”

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 high-end infrastructure to realize innovative interdisciplinary research.

For its 2nd phase, ROOTS is offering a Postdoctoral Researcher Position in “History of Knowledge of the Ancient World” (Subproject A2) starting 1^st July 2026.

Profile: Classics, Ancient Greek and Latin Philology, History

The candidate will work within the Kiel specific approach to knowledge studies, with regard to the diversity of knowledge and to human-environmental connectivity. The individual research project will investigate the complex, fragile and dynamic role of knowledge production and transfer in Ancient Greek literature and society in comparison to other societies and periods. The candidate is open to interdisciplinary cooperation and will coordinate and develop a (junior) research group. The aim of the research project is an independent monographic contribution to the history of knowledge of the Ancient Greek world and further research in a cross-cultural, comparative perspective within the Roots cluster.

Required qualification: Eligible candidates must hold an outstanding PhD in Classics, Ancient Greek and Latin, and experience in interdisciplinary and comparative studies.

This position (subproject A2) is part of a joint call for 9 doctoral and 5 postdoctoral positions within the Cluster of Excellence ROOTS.

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

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