PhD Position: Short-Term Mindsets and Crime – An Experimental Approach Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Germany

The Department of Criminology at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on 'Short-Term Mindsets and Crime: An Experimental Approach.' This opportunity is part of the Short-Term Mindsets research program, which aims to advance understanding of how situational influences and state-level short-term mindsets affect criminal behavior. The research will employ innovative experimental methods, including virtual reality studies, smartphone applications, and mobile laboratory data collection, to investigate how specific contexts activate short-term mindsets and shape behavioral outcomes.

The successful candidate will join an international and interdisciplinary team, collaborating with researchers in criminology, psychology, and related fields. The project offers scope for developing individual research ideas within the framework, such as focusing on situational triggers, decision-making processes, behavioral outcomes, or developmental and environmental factors influencing sensitivity to criminogenic cues. The department is renowned for its dynamic research environment, hosting experts from criminology, psychology, sociology, mathematics, and computer science, and currently includes three researchers with prestigious European Research Council grants.

Applicants should have completed or be close to completing a master’s or equivalent degree in psychology, pedagogy, empirical criminology, behavioral economics, sociology, or a related discipline. Essential qualifications include a background in statistics, experience with experimental research, strong interest in crime research and novel methods, excellent English language skills, and a collaborative attitude. Commitment to open science and transparent research practices is highly valued. German language skills are beneficial but not required.

The position is full-time (39 hours/week), limited to four years, and comes with no teaching obligations. Remuneration and social benefits are based on the German Civil Service Collective Agreement (TVöD Bund), pay category 13, 65%, including mandatory social insurance contributions for health care, long-term care, unemployment, and retirement. The Institute provides access to top laboratory facilities, specialist libraries, databases, well-equipped workspaces, and comprehensive academic and administrative support. Flexible work options, free in-house German language courses, and nearby daycare facilities are available to support work-life balance.

Applications are particularly encouraged from individuals with backgrounds underrepresented in science and research. To apply, submit your motivation letter, CV, writing sample, study certificates, transcripts, and reference contact via the online application portal by 20 May 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be notified in the week of 1 June 2026, with online interviews planned for June 2026. For questions, contact Prof. Dr. Dr. Jean-Louis van Gelder or Dr. Annika Hampel.

Freiburg im Breisgau is a vibrant university city in a trinational region, offering high quality of life and international flair. The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law is part of Germany’s flagship research organization, providing an exceptional environment for academic and professional development.