The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) is inviting applications from qualified and highly motivated students for PhD student positions in the Lab of Digital and Computational Demography.

MPIDR is one of the leading demographic centers in the world. It is part of the Max Planck Society, a network of 84 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 Lab of Digital and Computational Demography, headed by MPIDR Director Emilio Zagheni, is looking for candidates with a background in Demography, Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science/Informatics, Applied Mathematics, Economics, Sociology, Geography, Public Health, or related disciplines.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent (as a prerequisite the next intended academic degree must be a doctoral degree). The successful candidates are expected to conduct cutting-edge research that produces methodological advances in the field of Digital and Computational Demography and/or and addresses relevant questions in the following key substantive areas of demography:

i. Migration and mobility
ii. Population aging and generational processes
iii. Social and environmental forces and population dynamics

For more information about the Lab of Digital and Computational Demography, see: https://www.demogr.mpg.de/go/lab-dcd

This PhD studentship offers an excellent opportunity for motivated students to work with a highly international team of researchers at different levels of seniority, and to take advantage of the interdisciplinary intellectual environment at MPIDR, as well as substantial financial support for travel, research training and data acquisition.

Admitted students will be expected to take part in the International Max Planck Research School on Population, Health and Data Science (IMPRS-PHDS), a training initiative hosted at MPIDR that supports exchange within a network of universities in Europe and the US. The research school offers a core training program in Rostock, extensive networking opportunities across partner sites, and high-quality supervision from at least two mentors from different institutions. For more information about PHDS, see www.imprs-phds.mpg.de

Applications must be submitted online via job portal and include the following documents:

1 Curriculum Vitae

2 Letter of interest (Max 2 pages)
Please state why you are interested in joining MPIDR, how MPIDR could foster your professional development and career trajectory, and in which ways your research interests fit the research strengths of the Lab of Digital and Computational Demography. Please also describe your technical skills, areas of expertise, as well as future research projects.

3 Copies of transcripts of undergraduate and, if applicable, master’s degrees

4 Names and contact information for 2 academic references

5 One writing sample

In order to receive full consideration, applications should be submitted by December 1st, 2019. The starting date is flexible, but no later than Fall 2020. Successful applicants will be offered a 3-year contract with remuneration based on the salary structure of the German public sector (Öffentlicher Dienst, TVöD Bund). For inquiries about the positions, please contact sekzagheni@demogr.mpg.de.

Our institute values diversity and is committed to employing individuals from minorities. Individuals with severe disability are especially welcome to apply. Our Institute and the Max Planck Society also seek to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women to apply.