Postdocs/Research Scientists in Digital and Computational Demography

Overview

The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) is recruiting highly qualified Post-Docs or Research Scientists to join the Department of Digital and Computational Demography, headed by MPIDR Director Emilio Zagheni. The positions will be filled in the Lab of Migration and Mobility and/or in the Lab of Population Dynamics and Sustainable Well-Being.

Digital and computational demography is a growing interdisciplinary field that tackles fundamental questions across all domains of demographic research by combining the methods and perspectives of computational sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and statistics. The field has emerged in parallel with rapid technological improvements in computing, the spread of Internet and mobile technologies, and the increased digitalization of people’s lives. Our group brings together methodologists (from areas like statistics, computer science or formal demography) with experts in various areas of the social sciences in order to foster cross-pollination of ideas, to advance methods and theories of population research, and to address pressing scientific and societal questions.

Candidates who can enrich or complement projects in any Research Area of the Lab of Migration and Mobility or of the Lab of Population Dynamics and Sustainable Well-Being will be considered. Across all profiles, ability and willingness to work in interdisciplinary teams in order to conduct cutting-edge research that advances our understanding of population processes is key.

Examples of themes that we are interested in strengthening include (but are not limited to):

i) The use of advanced statistical analysis, machine learning or causal inference for estimating, understanding and forecasting demographic outcomes, at the individual and aggregate levels;
ii) The assessment of the relationships between climate change, population dynamics and individual behaviors, including the impact of climate change on demographic and health indicators;
iii) The assessment of the impact of technological transformations, including the digitalization of life, on social inequalities, gender inequalities, social support, and well-being.
iv) Modeling and understanding migration flows, including dynamics by age and gender, high-skilled migration and migration of scientists.

Applications have to be in English and submitted online via this survey and include the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Letter of interest (Max 1 page)
   Briefly state why you are interested in joining the MPIDR, how the MPIDR could foster your professional development and career trajectory, and in which ways your interests and skills fit the research program of the department and corresponding lab at MPIDR.
3. Research Statement (Max 2 pages)
   Briefly describe your research accomplishments, as well as ongoing and future research plans. Please also describe your technical skills, areas of expertise, as well as the type of advanced training that you would like to receive as a research scientist.
4. Names and contact information for 2 academic referees
5. Two writing samples or publications

The announcement will be open until the positions are filled. In order to receive full consideration, applications should be submitted by November 25, 2024. The starting date is flexible, but no later than fall 2025. The successful applicants will be offered a 3-year contract with remuneration commensurate to experience (starting from currently approx. 63,048.38 EUR gross per year for researchers who have just completed their PhD, up to approx. 72,517.66 EUR gross per year for more senior scientists), based on the salary structure of the German public sector (Öffentlicher Dienst, TVöD Bund). They are expected to be in residence at the MPIDR.

For inquiries about the positions, please contact the Labs deputy heads Daniela Perrotta or Ugofilippo Basellini.

The MPIDR is one of the leading demographic research centers in the world, part of the Max Planck Society, a network of 86 institutes that form Germany’s premier basic-research organization. Max Planck Institutes have an established record of world-class, foundational research in the sciences, technology, social sciences and the humanities. They offer a unique environment that combines the best aspects of an academic setting and a research laboratory.

The MPIDR is an equal opportunities employer. Our work atmosphere includes respectful treatment of each other, with gender, nationality, religion, disability, age, cultural origin, and sexual identity playing no role. We aim to have an institutional culture that enables everyone to develop their individual skills and competencies.

The Max Planck Society offers a broad range of measures to support the reconciliation of work and family. These are complemented by the MPIDR’s own initiatives. The Society has been awarded the certificate “Work and Family” which is granted to institutions committed to establishing a family-friendly corporate culture by binding target agreements. The MPIDR collaborates with a network of local day-care centers that provides childcare places for the children of Institute staff. The Max Planck Society pays for additional costs due to childcare needs of parents who attend conferences. The MPIDR also practices flexible working-time models, which include at least one home office day per week, and scheduling meetings only within core working hours.

We value diversity and are keen to employ individuals from minorities and under-represented groups. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.