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The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) is recruiting highly qualified Post-Docs/Research Scientists, at various levels of seniority, to join 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 more than 80 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, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Social Psychology, Geography, Applied Mathematics, Public Health, Public Policy, or related disciplines.

Examples of areas relevant for the Lab include (but are not limited to):

1. Combining traditional data sources as well as those that emerge from the digitalization of our lives to study demographic processes, like migration, health and well-being, intergenerational relationships and gender disparities.

2. Developing innovative forms of data collection for demographic research (e.g., surveys via web and social media advertisement platforms, or data collected via sensors, tracking devices, mobile phone apps, or crowd-sourced approaches).

3. Developing simulation models of individual choices and population-level processes to produce new insights on demographic dynamics and advance population theory.

4. Evaluating the impact of the digitalization of our lives on demographic behavior, well-being and population processes.

5. Modeling, estimating and predicting the relationships between environmental change, demographic processes and disease dynamics.

For more information about the Lab and its current projects, see: demogr.mpg.de/go/lab-dcd

The Lab of Digital and Computational Demography brings together methodologists (from areas like Statistics, Computer Science or Mathematical Demography) with experts in areas of the Social Sciences in order to favor cross-pollination of ideas, to advance methods and theory, and to address pressing societal questions.

The successful candidate must have obtained their PhD (or expect to have obtained their PhD by the time the post commences in early 2021), and their profile should match one of the following three:

1. A methodologist interested in producing methodological advances in the field of Digital and Computational Demography.

2. A social and behavioral scientist with strong expertise in at least one of the following substantive areas: migration and mobility; population aging and generational processes; social demography; environmental demography; (digital) health; technological change and well-being.

3. A computational social scientist interested in working on questions central to demographic research.

Across all profiles, the ability and willingness to work in interdisciplinary teams in order to conduct cutting-edge research that advances population science is key.

Applications have to be submitted online via demogr.mpg.de/go/JobAd369427 and include the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Letter of interest (Max 1 page)
Briefly state why you are interested in joining MPIDR, how MPIDR could foster your professional development and career trajectory, and in which ways your interests fit the research strengths of 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 3 academic references

5. One or two writing samples or publications

The positions will be open until filled. In order to receive full consideration, applications should be submitted by May 3rd, 2020. The starting date is flexible, but no later than early 2021. Successful applicants will be offered a 3-year contract with remuneration commensurate to experience (starting from approx. 55,000 EUR gross per year for researchers who have just completed their PhD, up to approx. 70,000 EUR gross per year for more senior scientists) based on the salary structure of the German public sector (Öffentlicher Dienst, TVöD Bund).

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. For more information, see: demogr.mpg.de/go/work-family.

In addition, there are a range of central initiatives and measures primarily geared towards helping young female researchers and mothers to advance their career. See the link below for some examples: demogr.mpg.de/go/career-development.

Our Institute values diversity and is committed to employing individuals from minorities. Individuals with severe disability are especially welcome to apply. The Institute and the Max Planck Society also seek to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. As women are underrepresented in computational social sciences, we explicitly encourage them to apply.

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