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

Digital and computational demography is a growing interdisciplinary field that tackles fundamental questions across all domains of population 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 data and of people’s lives. Our group brings together methodologists (from areas like statistics, computer science or formal demography) with population scientists in order to foster cross-pollination of ideas, to advance methods and theories of demographic research, and to address pressing scientific and societal questions.

Candidates who can enrich, complement or expand projects in Research Areas of the Lab of Migration and Mobility or Research Areas of the Lab of Population Dynamics and Sustainable Well-Being would be particularly welcome. 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 and health outcomes, at the individual and aggregate levels, including as they relate to life course and socio-economic and labor market dynamics.

ii_Modeling, understanding and forecasting migration flows, including dynamics by age and gender, by level of education, and for high-skilled migration, as well as integration of migrants and the social and economic implications of migration.

iii_The assessment of the impact of socio-technological transformations, including the digitalization of life and the adoption of Artificial Intelligence tools, on socio-demographic inequalities, demographic outcomes, family formation (e.g. the role of online dating), gender inequalities, intergenerational relationships, and well-being.

iv_The assessment of the relationships between climate change, population dynamics and individual behaviors, including the impact of climate change on demographic and health indicators.

Applications have to be in English and submitted online via this survey (survey.demogr.mpg.de/index.php/951698?lang=en) and include the following documents:

i_Curriculum Vitae

ii_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.

iii_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 scientific contribution that you envision making at MPIDR.

iv_Names and contact information for 2 academic referees

v_Two writing samples or publications

Our labs are committed to transparent and reproducible research. We welcome applicants who have embraced open science practices in their work and/or are enthusiastic about developing open science practices.

The announcement will be open until the positions are filled. In order to receive full consideration, applications should be submitted by October 10, 2025. The starting date is flexible, but no later than fall 2026. The successful applicants will be offered a 3-year contract with remuneration commensurate to experience (starting from currently approx. 63,000 EUR gross per year for researchers who have just completed their PhD, up to approx. 72,500 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 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 MPIDR is an equal opportunities employer. Respect and inclusivity are central to our work culture, where diversity in gender, background, beliefs, abilities, and identities is embraced and valued. We are committed to shaping a culture that encourages continuous development of each person’s skills and potential.

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.

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: https://www.demogr.mpg.de/go/work-family

In addition, there are a range of Max Planck Society-wide initiatives and measures primarily geared towards helping young female researchers and mothers to advance their career. For some examples, see: https://www.demogr.mpg.de/go/career-development