Doctoral Research position "Quantitative Modelling of Conflict Processes in the Context of Fortifications, Boundaries, and Inequalities in Metal Ages"

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 Doctoral Research position "Quantitative Modelling of Conflict Processes in the Context of Fortifications, Boundaries, and Inequalities in Metal Ages" (Subproject B2) starting 1^st July 2026.

Profile: Archaeology

The central task of this position is to develop models at the intersection of different subclusters, in order to raise their integration to a new level. To this end, the dynamic interrelations of conflict processes and wealth inequality in the context of changing environment, nutrition, knowledge structure, and settlement patterns including proto-urbanity and urbanity will be investigated, considering different indicator data for conflict escalation or de-escalation. The successful candidate will develop models (ranging from conceptual models to system models such as ABM) that provide insights into the complex processes of conflicts and inequality. This work will focus on well-suited reference areas in Europe and SW Asia. The interrelation of fortifications, marked boundaries, and inequality in a diachronic perspective is envisaged.

Required qualifications: Eligible candidates must hold an outstanding university degree (MSc or equivalent) in Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology. The candidate is expected to have fundamental knowledge of modelling and quantitative archaeology. High communication skills in German and English, as well as active interdisciplinary cooperation skills are absolutely necessary.

This position (subproject B2) 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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