Postdoc/Research Scientist in the Reproductive Ageing Research Group

The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) is seeking to appoint a full-time post-doctoral researcher or statistical analyst to join the Max Planck Research Group Reproductive Ageing led by Susie Lee.

The Group studies reproductive ageing – an age-related change in reproductive function – in social contexts, with a goal to better understand the causes and consequences of reproductive ageing from a demographic perspective. Due to its implications for fertility and health, reproductive ageing is integral to population processes such as late childbearing and post-reproductive lifespan. 

The Group will combine social theories such as demographic transition, life course approach, and social determinants of health, with the emerging biological theory linking reproductive ageing to the broader ageing process, to generate novel evidence for reproductive ageing. Various indicators of reproductive ageing, ranging from pubertal timing, infertility, menopause, to age at last birth, collected across different populations, will be analysed.

Who we they looking for:

MPIDR welcomes applications from researchers with a PhD (or receive it soon) in demography, sociology, health economics, biostatistics, public health, or another relevant area of expertise. The successful candidate is expected to have a profile along one of the following lines:

1. Strong quantitative background with skills in causal inference or other advanced statistical tools to understand the dynamic bio-social processes of reproductive ageing, such as
   1. The impact of critical life events on the indicators of reproductive ageing, and vice versa;
   2. Paternal age effect on offspring outcomes.
2. Keen interest in developing theory of reproductive ageing, in conjunction with existing theories on fertility and health.
3. Expertise in population data (e.g., surveys, panels, and registers) and measures to conduct innovative demographic research around reproductive ageing.

Ability and willingness to work on interdisciplinary topics of reproductive ageing and to conduct cutting-edge research, is key.

How to apply:

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 Reproductive Ageing Group 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 scientific contribution that you envision making at MPIDR.
4. Names and contact information for up to two academic referees
5. One writing sample or publication

In order to receive full consideration, applications should be submitted by January 11, 2026. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for late January 2026. The starting date is flexible, but preferably no later than fall 2026.

What they offer:

The successful applicants will be offered a 3-year contract with remuneration commensurate to experience (starting from currently approx. 64,940 EUR gross per year for researchers who have just completed their PhD, up to approx. 74,690 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.