The Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science in Göttingen conducts interdisciplinary research into pressing issues of social and political change, with a particular focus on conflict, inequality, the erosion of democracy and processes of social transformation. At the Institute, the Department of Inequality, Transformation and Conflict is inviting applications for 2-3 positions of

Doctoral Researchers (m/f/d)

(for three years with a starting date September 1st 2026)


  • The Department of Inequality, Transformation and Conflict (ITC), under the direction of Professor Steffen Mau, conducts research in the research areas of social change and transformation, inequality and social structure, social and political conflict, and migration and borders. Applicants should have their research focus on at least one of the research areas.

Your tasks

  • Conduct independent and collaborative research projects within the department’s thematic scope
  • Publish research findings in high-quality, peer-reviewed academic journals
  • Develop a research proposal and pursue a PhD degree
  • Organize and actively participate in academic workshops, conferences, and seminars
  • Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration within the institute and with external partners; therefore, regular on-site presence at the institute is required

Your profile

  • MA degree preferable in Sociology, but also applications from closely related disciplines are welcome
  • Strong analytical and methodological skills (quantitative and/or qualitative)
  • Excellent command of written and spoken English
  • Ability to work in an international and interdisciplinary research environment

Our offer

  • A position (full time) for a period of three years in a stimulating and internationally renowned research environment
  • Employment according to the collective wage agreement for the German public service (TVöD Bund) 75 % of a full-time postition in pay grade EG 13
  • Excellent opportunities for academic development, international networking, and interdisciplinary collaboration


The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the employment of individuals with severe disabilities and strongly encourages applications from this group. As an employer, the Max Planck Society actively promotes gender equality and diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds (Diversity in the MPG) and are dedicated to supporting a healthy work-life balance.

Applications must be submitted online via the recruitment portal below and should include the following documents:

  • Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications
  • Cover letter describing your research interests and motivation
  • Names and contact details of two referees
  • One or two selected academic publications or writing samples

Please do NOT send additional materials with the initial application. Interviews will be conducted either in person or remotely between May 26th and 28th 2026.

The application deadline is 2026-04-20

Contact

For inquiries, please contact us via:

Bewerbung_ITC@ips.mpg.de

Please do NOT send application materials to this E-Mail address. Only applications submitted through the recruitment portal will be considered.



Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science
Hermann-Föge-Weg 11, 37073 Göttingen, Germany

For information on the institute, please consult www.ips.mpg.de .

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