Several Doctoral and Postdoctoral research positions have just opened at The Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science in Göttingen. The newly established institute 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.
The Department of Inequality, Transformation and Conflict (ITC), under the direction of Professor Steffen Mau, conducts research across four areas: 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 these research areas.
The ITC Department is now accepting applications for Doctoral and Postdoctoral Researcher positions. The application deadline is 20.04.2026.
Doctoral Researchers (m/f/d) <https://karriere.mmg.mpg.de/jobposting/60889199bc72899fe200b804dfcb9d60c4a9d65e0>
(for three years with a starting date September 1st 2026)
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
Applications must be submitted online Doctoral Researchers (m/f/d)<https://karriere.mmg.mpg.de/jobposting/60889199bc72899fe200b804dfcb9d60c4a9d65e0>
.
Postdoctoral Researchers (m/f/d)<https://karriere.mmg.mpg.de/jobposting/0e537af04f31c9888474473f7ae678983f0e752a0>
(full-time for three years with a starting date as earliest as possible, but latest September 1st 2026)
Your tasks
* Conduct independent and collaborative research projects within the thematic scope of the department
* Publish research findings in high-quality, peer-reviewed academic journals
* Develop research proposals and contribute to ongoing research projects
* Organize and participate in academic workshops, conferences, and seminars
* Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration within the institute and with external partners. Therefore, regular presence at the institute is required
Your profile
* PhD degree preferable in Sociology, but also applications from closely related disciplines are welcome
* Excellent academic publication records appropriate to career stage
* Strong analytical and methodological skills (quantitative and/or qualitative)
* Excellent command of written and spoken English
* Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an international and interdisciplinary research environment
Our offer
* A full-time position 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, EG 13 / 14), depending on qualifications and experience.
* Excellent opportunities for academic development, international networking, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Applications must be submitted online Postdoctoral Researchers (m/f/d)<https://karriere.mmg.mpg.de/jobposting/0e537af04f31c9888474473f7ae678983f0e752a0>
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.
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.
For information on the institute, please consult: https://www.ips.mpg.de