Candidate tasks

 

The successful candidate will play a central role in the Department and its outputs (e.g. publications, data synthesis, policy contributions). They will integrate multidisciplinary research (including archaeological-, historical-, and contemporary urban studies) and datasets into current debates in Urban Studies and Urban Planning. The candidate may focus on computational models of urban scaling, urban networks, urban supply chains, and urban dynamics. They should have an interest in how historical, archaeological, and palaeoenvironmental datasets of different temporal and spatial scales, with complicated uncertainties, can be used to address temporary concerns

The candidate will work in a leading global centre for deep time and contemporary social and Earth system research at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, an institute combining archaeological, anthropological, geochemical, and Earth system expertise in computational modelling, social theory, and fieldwork and laboratory methodologies. They will also work closely with key project partners and will be expected to also work within the framework of ongoing international research initiatives to ensure maximum reach of results.

Candidate qualifications

The ideal applicant will have a background in Urban Studies, Urban Planning, Demography, Sociology, Computational Research or a strong track record of having applied methods from these areas. In-depth knowledge of urban models and contemporary debates relating to urban form, structure, dynamics, and resilience is essential. Other prerequisites include evidence of strong oral and written communication skills, including an excellent publication record, commensurate with career stage and care duties. Willingness to work as part of a team, travel to field sites, a strong work ethic, and the ability to complete tasks in a timely and structured fashion are also necessities.

Essential:

• PhD and Masters degree in Urban Studies, Urban Planning, Sociology, Demography, Sociology, Computational Research, or a similar discipline or specialism.
• Hands-on, practical experience with contemporary urban planning considerations and policy debates and/or experience with the compilation of diverse multidisciplinary datasets to study urban trajectories and connectivity.
  
   

Advantageous:

• Analytical experience of historical and archaeological datasets as well as their relative limitations in relating to contemporary questions
• Enthusiasm for applying archaeological, historical and ethnographic insights into contemporary Urban Studies and Urban Planning initiatives.
• Experience in public outreach on urban resilience and land-use impacts.
• Outreach skills in the context of communicated urban resilience or the ramifications of human land-use to a non-academic audience.

The position offers a unique opportunity to develop cutting edge research in the city of Jena that is renowned for its position at the intersection of Biogeochemical, Ecological, and Archaeological research. The Max Planck Society promote these multidisciplinary connections and this position offers the candidate the possibility of making the most of such networks and become a leader in novel approaches to study human-Earth system dynamics across space and time.

The position will begin on the 1st of September 2025 though some flexibility in start date is possible. Remuneration will follow the public service pay scale (TVöD) up to paygroup 13, according to the candidate’s qualifications and experience. In addition, social benefits are offered as per the regulations of the German Civil Service.

The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more individuals with disabilities and especially encourages them to apply. We are also committed to encouraging diversity and actively challenging biases based on gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion and other components of identity.