"Doctoral Researcher Position in "Conflict Resolution - Boundaries and Communal Places as de-escalation Measures""

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 Researcher Position in “Conflict Resolution - Boundaries and Communal Places as de-escalation Measures”(Subproject B9) starting 1st July 2025.

Profile: Archaeology, topographical studies, surveys, Prehistory

The focus of this topic lies on conflict resolution in prehistoric Europe between 2000-500 BC. Drawing on existing data collection and supplemented by new surveys and topographical studies, the successful candidate is invited to examine conflict dynamics in uncovering general patterns of conflict escalation and de-escalation and the role of social and cultural factors in conflict management. Boundaries as borders and limitations represent critical points where differences and divisions become apparent. Analysing cooperation and connectivity patterns can help to identify effective conflict resolution strategies. The successful candidate will be fully integrated in the subcluster “Conflict: Contextualising past comportment” of the Excellence Cluster ROOTS. Cooperation with other subclusters is expected.

Required qualification: Excellent university degree (MA, MSc, or equivalent) in Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology with an expertise in geophysical surveys and GIS.s.

This position (subproject B9) 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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