Postdoctoral Researcher Position in the “Reflective Turn Forum”

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 the ”Reflective Turn Forum” (Subproject A5) starting 1^st July 2026.

Profile: Humanities, Archaeology, Archaeological Theory

Within the Reflective Turn Forum, the position involves pursuing collaborative research that operationalises philosophical and/or cultural theories with archaeological and historical, and palaeoecological data and interpretation, while at the same time facilitating the mutual integration of ROOTS subcluster topics and the Reflective Turn Forum. Close collaboration with the Core of Synthesis is expected, in order to share conceptual and operational insights and to foster discussions on the four core topics across the subclusters, thereby promoting interdisciplinary dialogue and catalysing scientific approaches. In addition, independent studies on subjects such as neolithisation, urbanisation, industrialisation, and boundaries, globalisation, and the Anthropocene,are strongly encouraged.

Required qualification: Eligible candidates will have an outstanding doctoral degree in archaeology, as well as an excellent track record in interdisciplinary theoretical work in this field. Candidates should demonstrate that they are exceptionally well prepared to apply cutting-edge perspectives from philosophy and broader scientific theory to the humanities.

This position (subproject A5) 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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