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Philipp-Alexander Hirsch
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Postdoc (f/m/d) | Theory of Normativity and the Criminal Law – ‘Normentheorie’ between the UK and Germany Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Germany
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Philosophy
Funding
Jointly funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The position is paid under TVöD Bund pay category 13 and includes mandatory social insurance contributions.
Deadline
Dec 7, 2026
Country
Germany
University
Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law
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About this position
The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Freiburg im Breisgau is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for a project on the theory of normativity and the criminal law, focusing on the dialogue between German Normentheorie and UK/Anglophone approaches to legal normativity.
The position sits in the independent Research Group Criminal Law Theory, headed by Prof. Dr. Dr. Philipp-Alexander Hirsch, within the Department of Criminal Law led by Prof. Dr. Tatjana Hörnle. The group works on the normative foundations and functions of punishment and criminal law, approaching doctrinal questions through interdisciplinary analysis of legal theory and philosophy.
In the project, the postdoc will contribute to a structured comparison of German and Anglophone traditions and help build a shared analytical framework for thinking about criminal wrongdoing, liability, punishment, norms and reasons, conduct and decision rules, duties and rights, responsibility, and sanctions. The project is jointly led with JP Fassnidge at the University of Aberdeen and includes collaboration across Freiburg and Aberdeen, as well as exchange with international scholars in the Max Planck Law network.
The role is designed to support an independent academic profile through research output and collaboration, within a research environment offering extensive library and database resources, workshops, seminars, conferences, and strong administrative support. The post is embedded in a highly international institute and a project explicitly aimed at advancing transnational research in criminal law theory and legal philosophy.
Funding details
Jointly funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The position is paid under TVöD Bund pay category 13 and includes mandatory social insurance contributions.
What's required
Applicants should have a university degree in law or philosophy with outstanding results and a PhD in law or philosophy. A strong research profile in criminal law theory, legal/practical philosophy, or metanormative theory is required, together with a good publication record or strong publication potential. Candidates should be willing to work across disciplinary boundaries, have excellent communication skills, and be able to work in a dynamic interdisciplinary and international environment. A good command of English is required, and a good command of German is also needed, at least sufficient to read academic texts in German. Experience in systematic literature work and collaborative research is expected; editorial or translation experience is an advantage.
How to apply
Prepare an English application including a cover letter, detailed CV, publication list with up to two publications or writing samples, a copy of the doctoral dissertation, and copies of academic degree certificates and any relevant professional qualification certificates. Submit the application via the online application portal by 7 December 2026 using the 'I would like to apply' button. For questions, contact Prof. Dr. Dr. Philipp-Alexander Hirsch or Dr. JP Fassnidge by email.
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Professors
Prof. Dr. Dr. at Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law
Germany
Research Interests
Law
Civil Law
Legal Philosophy
Legal Theory
Normative Theory
Prof. Dr. at Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law
Germany
Research Interests
Law
Normative Theory
Metaethics
Philosophy
Legal Philosophy
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.