The Cluster of Excellence ROOTS at Kiel University invites applications for a Research Associate (Postdoc) position in East Asian Studies, with a focus on Cultural Anthropology, Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences. This full-time, permanent position is classified up to salary grade 14 TV-L, provided tariff-related requirements are met. The ROOTS Cluster explores the deep history of social and environmental processes, aiming to understand their long-term developments and contemporary resonance. The research environment is highly interdisciplinary, bridging archaeology, natural sciences, life sciences, and humanities, and organized into six subclusters and several research platforms.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will engage in research topics related to Chinese and Asian studies, collaborating intensively with the Cluster of Excellence Social, Environmental, and Cultural Connectivity in Past Societies (ROOTS). The position also involves limited teaching and administrative responsibilities at the China Center or its successor institution. After the cluster's term, the role transitions to a permanent position with research and teaching duties in Chinese and Asian studies.

The scientific environment offers connections to the Faculty of Philosophy, PMI Cluster of Excellence, SECC, ZAAS, DSC, and IfW, as well as interfaces with all eight faculties of Kiel University. Research priorities include human subsistence and biodiversity, inequality and conflict, technology and environmental impact, boundaries and well-being, and links to environmental, medical, and scientific-technical history, linguistics, and digital humanities.

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree of outstanding quality (at least magna cum laude) and have high-quality international publications in East Asian studies, especially in cultural anthropology, social sciences, or environmental sciences. Very good knowledge of English (C1) and Chinese (C1) or another East Asian language is required, along with teaching experience. Desirable qualifications include experience with Sinophone, East, Southeast, and/or Central Asian societies, knowledge of another Asian research language (e.g., Japanese, Korean), experience in acquiring third-party research funding, and a willingness for transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary cooperation. Certifications of equivalence for foreign qualifications must be attached to the application.

To apply, submit a single PDF file containing a letter of motivation, CV with publications, doctoral degree certificate, and research proposal via email to [email protected] by 31 March 2026. Letters of recommendation are not required in the first round. For questions, contact Prof. Dr. Angelika Messner ([email protected]). Additional information and the full job advertisement are available at https://www.uni-kiel.de/en/cluster-roots/career/jobs.