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Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law

Postdoc Position in Public Security Law, Public Law, and Legal Theory at Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Germany

Degree Level

Postdoc

Field of study

Criminology

Funding

Fully funded research position with no teaching obligations. Salary is based on German public service pay scale TVöD Bund, pay grade 13, with entry level depending on prior experience. The contract is initially for two or three years with possible extension. Social insurance contributions for health care, long-term care, unemployment, and retirement are included.

Deadline

Nov 30, 2026

Country flag

Country

Germany

University

Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law

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Keywords

Criminology
Law
Legal Theory
Legal Philosophy

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About this position

Postdoctoral positions (f/m/d) are open at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, within the Department of Public Law. The role includes the possibility to work toward a post-doctoral lecturing qualification (habilitation) for eligible candidates.

The research environment is highly international and interdisciplinary, with a focus on public security law, fundamental aspects of public law, legal philosophy, and legal theory. The department’s research agenda addresses preventive aspects of security-related matters, as well as broader doctrinal, theoretical, technical, and social developments affecting fundamental rights, the rule of law, and democratic principles.

This is a fully funded research position with no teaching obligations. Compensation follows TVöD Bund pay grade 13, including mandatory social insurance contributions. The initial contract is for two or three years, with possible extension under the applicable German law. The institute also offers strong research infrastructure, a specialized library, databases, administrative support, flexible working arrangements, remote work options, daycare spots nearby, and free in-house German language courses.

Eligibility: applicants should hold a doctorate with excellent results in law, related humanities, or the social sciences. The dissertation must have received summa cum laude or an equivalent top grade. A state examination in law may also be suitable for habilitation if requirements are met. German is an asset but not required.

How to apply: submit the application in English or German via the online portal by 30 November 2026. Required documents include a cover letter, research proposal (max. three pages), CV, publication list, dissertation copy, optional additional publications, transcripts, work certificates if applicable, and contact details for at least two professional supervisors who can provide references.

Location: Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.

Funding details

Fully funded research position with no teaching obligations. Salary is based on German public service pay scale TVöD Bund, pay grade 13, with entry level depending on prior experience. The contract is initially for two or three years with possible extension. Social insurance contributions for health care, long-term care, unemployment, and retirement are included.

What's required

Applicants must have a doctorate with excellent results in law, related humanities, or the social sciences. The PhD dissertation must have been awarded summa cum laude or the highest grade in another grading system. Research interests should align with public security law, fundamental aspects of public law, or legal philosophy and legal theory. Candidates with a state examination in law may pursue habilitation if they meet the necessary requirements. German is helpful but not required.

How to apply

Apply through the online application portal using the 'I would like to apply' button. Submit a cover letter, research proposal (max. three pages), CV, publication list, dissertation copy, up to two additional publications if relevant, transcripts, work certificates if applicable, and contact details of at least two professional supervisors for references.

More information can be found here

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