PhD & Postdoctoral Positions, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious & Ethnic Diversity, Germany (2018)

A new Max Planck Research Group ‘Ageing in a Time of Mobility’ based at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity in Göttingen is seeking highly-qualified and motivated candidates for up to three new research positions.

‘Ageing in a Time of Mobility’ is a global and interdisciplinary project led by Dr. Megha Amrith that investigates the interconnections between two key phenomena in the twenty-first century: ageing populations and global migration, and the new social transformations that they jointly shape. The project will explore the different ways through which older persons are embedded in global and transnational networks and communities, how they engage with new forms of socio-cultural diversity, and how they experience new convivialities and inequalities. It will focus on the migration and mobility experiences of older populations in regions of the world that are rapidly ageing, but which have been less visible in research agendas - Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Projects should ideally relate to one or more of the following conceptual areas: ageing and forced displacement; the experiences of those who choose to migrate in later life; the active role that older family members play in the migration projects of their extended families and in intergenerational care processes; ageing and internal migration; experiences of ageing in diverse urban communities; questions of return, home and belonging in the diaspora. Proposals should focus on cases in Asia, Africa or Latin America, or on the transnational/translocal connections of migrants from these regions.

Applicants should have a degree in Anthropology, Sociology, Geography, History or related field in the social sciences and humanities. Candidates should have a strong background in qualitative research methods, with proven field research experience (ethnography, in-depth interviews and/or oral histories). They should also demonstrate relevant language skills for their proposed field sites.

Research fellows are expected to independently develop their own research projects within the thematic framework of the research group. They will also play an active role in the organisation of international conferences and seminars, and will publish their research in key academic venues, as well as for wider audiences. The working language of the Institute is English.

Postdoctoral fellows are offered a contract for an initial period of two years, while doctoral fellows will be offered a contract for an initial period of three years. The salary is based on the German civil service scale TVöD E13 for postdoctoral fellows and TVöD E13 (50%) for doctoral fellows. The Max Planck Society wishes to increase the participation of women wherever they are under-represented;
therefore, applications from women are particularly welcome. Following its commitment to an equal opportunities employment policy, the Max Planck Society also especially encourages persons with a disability to submit their applications.

Further details:
PhD & Postdoctoral Positions, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious & Ethnic Diversity, Germany (2018)