Fully Funded Postdoctoral Fellowship in Political Science in Germany 2026 (Max Planck Institute) – Salary, Requirements, and How to Apply @Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science

Overview

The Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science in Göttingen, Germany, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow (m/f/d) in Political Science. This is a full-time, three-year research position aimed at highly qualified scholars interested in data-driven research on political institutions, conflict, and democratic transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality independent and collaborative research aligned with the department’s themes
• Co-author academic articles with department members
• Participate in fieldwork and conduct interviews
• Support the recruitment of PhD students and junior researchers
• Co-supervise and mentor junior researchers
• Assist in organizing workshops and managing data
• Participate in the department’s research environment
• Maintain regular in-person presence in Göttingen

Requirements

• A PhD degree (or equivalent) in Political Science
• A strong publication record or potential for such output
• Proven interest in the department’s research themes
• Strong quantitative research skills, including:
  • Panel regression analysis
  • Handling large administrative datasets
  • Survey data analysis
  • Statistical programming in R or Stata
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Strong analytical thinking and independent research ability
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Benefits

• Full-time postdoctoral appointment for three years
• Competitive salary aligned with German public service wage agreement
• Access to advanced academic resources
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and international networking
• No formal teaching obligations

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a single PDF file including:

• Curriculum Vitae with publications
• A two-page cover letter outlining research interests
• A two-page research proposal
• Contact details of three referees
• One writing sample with clarification of contribution

Only complete applications in a single PDF will be considered.

Deadline

Application Deadline: May 3, 2026

APPLY HERE