Are you an early-career political scientist ready to tackle big questions about conflict and democracy? The Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science in Göttingen, Germany, offers a fully funded postdoctoral fellowship in political science in Germany 2026. This three-year position lets you dive into data-driven research on political institutions and conflict.
Overview of the Fellowship
This full-time role sits in the new Department of Political Institutions and Conflict. It targets scholars who blend quantitative and qualitative methods to study global issues. The department looks at how institutions affect violence, democratic changes, and elections, with a focus on the Global South. You will build your own research path while working with top experts at one of the world’s leading research groups.
Research Focus Areas
The department centers on three main themes. First, institutions and political violence explores how rules and systems influence fights and unrest. Second, democratic politics in transformation covers shifts in how democracies work amid challenges. Third, the political economy of electoral integrity examines money, power, and fairness in voting.
You will use tools like surveys, causal inference from observations, fieldwork, interviews, and analysis of records or events. This mix helps create solid evidence on real-world problems.
Key Responsibilities
In this job, you will lead and join research projects tied to the themes. Expect to co-write papers with team members and share findings through workshops or reports. You will also do fieldwork, handle interviews, and manage data.
Other duties include helping recruit PhD students, mentoring juniors, and supporting department tasks. You must live near Göttingen and show up regularly to join discussions and collaborations.
Required Qualifications
You need a PhD in political science by the start date. A track record of publications in top journals helps, or at least strong signs you can publish there. Show clear interest in the department’s topics.
Key skills include quantitative work like panel regression, big datasets, surveys, and software such as R or Stata. You must communicate well in English, think sharply, and work alone or in teams. Honesty in research matters too.
Desirable Qualifications
Certain skills make your application stand out. Knowledge of causal inference methods is a plus. Experience in Global South areas like West Africa or South Asia adds value. Extra languages, such as Hindi or Bengali, help with fieldwork.
If you have handled event data or done qualitative interviews, mention it. These fit the department’s hands-on approach.
Benefits of the Position
The fellowship runs three years full-time. Salary follows Germany’s public service scale (TVöD Bund, EG 13), based on your experience. You get world-class resources, networks, and collaboration chances.
No teaching is required, so you focus on research. You can join university teaching if you want. The institute supports women and people with disabilities to boost diversity.
Application Requirements
Submit one PDF with these items: your CV and publication list, a two-page cover letter on your interests and fit, a two-page research proposal on department themes, three referee contacts, and one writing sample. Explain your role if co-authored.
Only full PDFs count. Do not add extras.
Important Dates
Apply by May 3, 2026. Remote interviews happen June 11-12, 2026. Start around September 1, 2026, or sooner if possible.
Additional Information
All nationalities can apply. Live within commuting distance of Göttingen. Check the official site for details.
Apply here. For more info, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline for the fellowship?
You must apply by May 3, 2026. Remote interviews are scheduled for June 11-12, 2026.
What qualifications are required for this position?
You need a PhD in political science by the start date, a strong publication record or potential, and skills in quantitative methods like R or Stata.
What are the main research focus areas?
The department focuses on institutions and political violence, democratic politics in transformation, and the political economy of electoral integrity, especially in the Global South.
What benefits does the fellowship offer?
It provides a three-year full-time salary on Germany’s TVöD Bund EG 13 scale, no teaching duties, and access to top resources and networks.
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