Postdoctoral Researcher Position in “Mediterranean Archaeology”

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 “Mediterranean Archaeology” (Subproject A3) starting 1^st July 2026.

Profile: Archaeology, Urban Studies

The candidate will explore urban societies of the Western Mediterranean World between 800 BCE and 300 CE. The thematic focus is on material remains (art, urban architecture and monuments, visual culture, urban performances) and their relevance for strategies of boundary making. The position also provides opportunities to explore the interactions with regions and societies at the peripheries of the Graeco-Roman world (Central Asia, North Africa, Central Europe). Urban environments are understood as being sites of embedded practices and patterns of social behavior in their interaction with the ecological environment, characterized by processes of both connection and boundary making. We therefore expect a research perspective informed by theoretical approaches related to this understanding of Urban Studies, and a willingness to engage in a cross-cultural comparative perspective on urban studies.

Required qualification: Eligible candidates must hold an outstanding PhD in Greek and/or Roman Archaeology

This position (subproject A3) 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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