Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology
3 days ago
Doctoral Researcher (PhD) in Political Violence, Democratic Institutions, and Conflict Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science in Germany
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Sociology
Funding
Full-time doctoral researcher position for three years, with the option of up to two six-month extensions. Salary is based on German civil service collective agreement TVöD Bund, pay group EG 13, 75%/grade 1–2. The post is affiliated with the HORIZON MSCA-funded DIViNE doctoral network.
Deadline
Nov 11, 2026
Country
Germany
University
Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology
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About this position
Doctoral Researcher (PhD) opening at the Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science in Göttingen, Germany, within the newly established Department of Political Institutions and Conflict led by Ursula Daxecker.
The position is part of the DIViNE doctoral network (Democratic Institutions and Violence Network in Europe), funded by the HORIZON MSCA action. The project focuses on the dynamics of support for violent movements and responses, political violence in democracies, democratic erosion, electoral intimidation, extremist mobilization, and the relationship between violent rhetoric and violent behavior.
The PhD candidate will conduct research using quantitative analysis, surveys and survey experiments, fieldwork interviews, and multimodal data, with a focus on subnational and constituency-level analyses in the Global North. The role includes co-authoring publications, participating in workshops and training network activities, carrying out fieldwork, and contributing to project administration.
Eligibility highlights include a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in political science or a closely related discipline, strong social science methods skills, statistical programming experience (e.g. Stata/R), causal inference knowledge, and excellent English. Experience with qualitative or mixed methods, fieldwork, and political violence research is desirable.
The position is full-time for three years with possible extensions, and salary follows TVöD Bund EG 13, 75%. The institute notes that regular physical presence in Göttingen is required and that it will assist with housing, visas, and residence permits. Applications are due 11 November 2026.
Funding details
Full-time doctoral researcher position for three years, with the option of up to two six-month extensions. Salary is based on German civil service collective agreement TVöD Bund, pay group EG 13, 75%/grade 1–2. The post is affiliated with the HORIZON MSCA-funded DIViNE doctoral network.
What's required
A Master’s degree or equivalent in political science or a closely related discipline by the start of employment; excellent command of social science research methods including quantitative methodology such as panel regression, analysis of large administrative data, survey data, large language models and AI, causal inference design, and statistical programming in Stata/R/etc.; excellent oral and written English; independent thinking and critical analytical skills; ability to work independently and in a team. Desirable: experience with qualitative methods and mixed-methods approaches, willingness to conduct fieldwork, and expertise in research on political violence.
How to apply
Apply online by 11 November 2026. Submit a CV, two-page cover letter, two-page PhD project proposal, unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts, contact details of two academic references, and a writing sample of up to 10 pages. Ensure availability for interviews in Göttingen during the week of 23 November.
More information can be found here
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