Postdoctoral Researcher @Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology

The Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology in Halle (Saale), Germany, has announced an outstanding postdoctoral opportunity for international researchers interested in advancing cutting-edge anthropological research. The Department of Anthropology of Politics and Governance is inviting applications from exceptional scholars who wish to contribute to innovative research on politics, governance, ecology, health, digital technology, and artificial intelligence.

This prestigious postdoctoral position offers researchers the opportunity to work within one of the world’s leading centres for social anthropology while conducting impactful independent research with access to international conference funding and institutional support.

About the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology

The Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology is internationally recognised for its excellence in comparative anthropological research. The institute focuses strongly on understanding social change and contributes significantly to anthropological theory and contemporary global debates.

Located in Halle (Saale), Germany, the institute provides a vibrant academic environment where scholars examine pressing global issues such as:

• Geopolitical transformations
• Climate uncertainty
• Biodiversity loss
• Technological change
• Governance systems
• Social movements
• Human adaptation to emerging political realities

The Department of Anthropology of Politics and Governance specifically explores how political arrangements, governance initiatives, and collective social action shape the contemporary world and future possibilities.

Researchers in the department investigate how individuals and communities respond to critical global challenges through activism, governance strategies, technological engagement, and ecological transformation.

Research Areas for the Postdoctoral Position

The department is looking for highly innovative projects aligned with its research agenda. Applicants may propose projects in areas including:

1. Anthropology of Ecology or Climate

Research examining:

• Environmental transformations
• Climate governance
• Human-environment interactions
• Ecological uncertainty
• Sustainability and social adaptation

2. Anthropology of the Body or Health

Projects may focus on:

• Public health systems
• Biopolitics
• Embodiment
• Medical anthropology
• Health inequalities
• Social dimensions of healthcare

3. Anthropology of Digital Technology or AI

Applicants can explore:

• Artificial intelligence and society
• Digital governance
• Technology and inequality
• Human-machine interaction
• Digital citizenship
• Ethical implications of emerging technologies

The institute particularly values research that examines how local experiences intersect with global concerns and how communities envision alternative political and social futures.

Responsibilities of the Successful Candidate

The selected postdoctoral researcher will be expected to actively contribute to the intellectual life of the department while pursuing independent scholarly research.

Main responsibilities include:

Conduct Independent Research

• Carry out primary fieldwork and anthropological research
• Produce high-impact academic publications
• Advance theoretical and applied anthropological knowledge

Participate in Departmental Activities

• Engage in seminars and scholarly discussions
• Collaborate with colleagues and visiting researchers
• Contribute to the department’s research culture

Support Outreach Activities

• Participate in public engagement initiatives
• Contribute to knowledge dissemination
• Support the visibility of departmental research activities

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this postdoctoral position, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a PhD in social and cultural anthropology or a related discipline
• Have a dissertation based on qualitative or mixed research methods
• Demonstrate expertise in contemporary social issues
• Present a strong and innovative research proposal relevant to the department’s research themes

Applicants with interdisciplinary approaches and strong publication potential are especially encouraged to apply.

Benefits of the Max Planck Institute Postdoc Position

This opportunity offers substantial academic and professional benefits for international researchers.

1. Three-Year Full-Time Contract

The successful candidate will receive:

• A three-year postdoctoral appointment
• Possibility of contract renewal
• Stable full-time employment

2. Competitive Salary

Remuneration follows:

• Germany’s Collective Wage Agreement for the Civil Service
• TVöD level E13 salary scale

3. Research Funding

Researchers will have access to:

• Dedicated research funds
• International conference travel support
• Opportunities for academic networking

4. International Research Environment

Scholars will work in:

• A globally respected research institution
• A multicultural academic setting
• An intellectually stimulating environment

5. Excellent Location in Germany

The institute is located in Halle (Saale), a historic and dynamic university town in central Germany.

Benefits of living in Halle include:

• Access to renowned academic institutions
• Rich cultural and historical heritage
• Modern research infrastructure
• Peaceful and picturesque surroundings

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Max Planck Society strongly promotes equal opportunity and inclusive hiring practices.

The institute explicitly encourages applications from:

• Women researchers
• Persons with disabilities
• Underrepresented groups in academia

This commitment reflects the organisation’s dedication to building a diverse and inclusive scientific community.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV), including publication list
2. Summary of doctoral thesis (1–2 pages)
3. Project proposal (maximum 2000 words)
4. Publication plan
5. Copies of university degrees
6. Names and contact details of two referees

Applicants should ensure that their project proposal clearly demonstrates alignment with the department’s research agenda.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Max Planck Institute Postdoc Position 2026 is:

30 June 2026

Late applications may not be considered, so interested candidates are encouraged to prepare and submit their materials early.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically through the Max Planck Institute’s official career portal.

Applicants can apply through the institute’s website under the “Career” section.

 

Contact Information

For informal enquiries concerning the position:

• office.rao@eth.mpg.de

For application-related questions:

• Nadine Wagenbrett
• Human Resources Management
• wagenbrett@eth.mpg.de

Why You Should Apply

This postdoctoral position represents a major opportunity for scholars seeking to develop internationally recognised research in social anthropology.

The position provides:

• Long-term research stability
• Access to world-class mentorship and collaboration
• Strong institutional funding
• Opportunities for global academic visibility
• A platform for impactful interdisciplinary research

Researchers interested in climate change, governance, digital technology, AI, health, and social transformation will find an exceptional academic home at the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology.

For ambitious scholars aiming to shape future debates in anthropology and social science, this opportunity offers both intellectual freedom and institutional support at one of Europe’s premier research institutions.

 

Apply here  

 

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