Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law
1 week ago
PhD Research Fellow Positions in Global (Dis)Ordering, International Relations, and Foreign Policy Analysis Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law in Germany
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Political Science
Funding
Two doctoral researcher positions funded for three years. Remuneration according to MPG funding agreements (65 per cent of EG13, TVöD-Bund).
Deadline
Nov 22, 2026
Country
Germany
University
Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law
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About this position
Two PhD / doctoral researcher positions are open in the newly established Max Planck Research Group “Constellations of Global (Dis)Ordering” (DISORDER) at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law in Heidelberg, Germany.
The group, headed by Dr. Gordon Friedrichs, studies how global order is transformed as states—especially great and middle powers—advance competing visions of order through international institutions, institutional redesign, ad hoc arrangements, and strategic use of economic and technological interdependence. The research spans international relations, political science, foreign policy analysis, and related work on security, economy, and technology.
Successful candidates will design and carry out an original doctoral dissertation within the DISORDER agenda. The post emphasizes qualitative research, including process tracing, qualitative content and discourse analysis, and semi-structured interviews. Possible project orientations include an actor-centred approach focused on a great or middle power, or a domain-centred comparison across states in a specific issue area.
Applicants should have an excellent Master’s degree or equivalent in Political Science, ideally with specialization in International Relations or Foreign Policy Analysis. Strong written and spoken English is required; additional language skills and country- or region-specific expertise are considered an advantage.
The positions are funded for three years and offer remuneration according to MPG funding agreements (65% of EG13, TVöD-Bund). The application deadline is 22 November 2026. Apply online only and include a CV, cover letter, degree certificates and transcripts, a one-page summary of your Master’s thesis, a five-page PhD project proposal linked to DISORDER, and two recommendation letters.
Interviews are planned for late November/early December in person at the institute. Application expenses cannot be covered.
Funding details
Two doctoral researcher positions funded for three years. Remuneration according to MPG funding agreements (65 per cent of EG13, TVöD-Bund).
What's required
Excellent Master’s degree or equivalent in Political Science, with a specialization in International Relations or Foreign Policy Analysis. Strong research interest in global order, international institutions, and great- and middle-power politics, including foreign policies. Substantive interest in one or more issue areas: security, economy, and technology. Strong interest in qualitative research and familiarity with relevant methods. Excellent written and spoken English. Additional language skills and country- or region-specific expertise are considered assets. Ability to conduct independent research while contributing to a collaborative research environment.
How to apply
Apply exclusively through the online application system on the MPIL website. Submit CV, cover letter, degree certificates and transcripts, a one-page summary of your Master’s thesis, a five-page PhD project proposal aligned with DISORDER, and two letters of recommendation. Apply by 22 November 2026.
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