Jean-Louis van Gelder

The Department of Criminology at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Freiburg im Breisgau is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for the project “Short-Term Mindsets and Crime: Testing and Validating the Theory.” The position sits within an interdisciplinary research program that aims to advance Short-Term Mindsets Theory , a framework that connects diverse predictors of criminal behavior through a temporal mechanism centered on immediate versus long-term outcomes. The successful candidate will work in an international team at the forefront of crime research, helping to sharpen the theory’s core predictions, test them against competing explanations, and refine how short-term mindsets are measured. The project emphasizes innovative empirical work and gives room to develop original research ideas within the overall framework. Research methods highlighted in the advert include experiments , virtual reality , smartphone-based studies , and longitudinal data , alongside advanced quantitative modeling . The post is designed for someone interested in the links between crime, decision-making, and human cognition, and in using novel methods to study how crime propensity fluctuates across situations. The Department of Criminology brings together criminologists, psychologists, sociologists, mathematicians, and computer scientists, offering a dynamic and highly interdisciplinary environment. The institute reports strong research infrastructure, including laboratory facilities, specialist libraries and databases, well-equipped workspaces, and support for workshops, seminars, and conferences. The role also involves collaboration with international researchers in criminology, psychology, and related fields. The institute is located in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, within the Max Planck Society, and presents the position as part of a growing European center for research on criminology, public security, and criminal law.

The Department of Criminology at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for the project Short-Term Mindsets and Crime: Testing and Validating the Theory . The position sits within the institute’s broader Short-Term Mindsets research program, which aims to explain crime through the temporal focus of individuals on immediate versus long-term outcomes. The successful candidate will join an international, interdisciplinary team in Freiburg im Breisgau and contribute to the development and empirical validation of Short-Term Mindsets Theory. The project focuses on sharpening core predictions, testing them against competing explanations, and refining how short-term mindsets are measured. The work is explicitly experimental and methodologically ambitious, with approaches including virtual reality, smartphone-based studies, longitudinal data, and advanced quantitative modeling. The department brings together criminologists, psychologists, sociologists, mathematicians, and computer scientists to study the causes and consequences of criminal behavior and to develop approaches to crime prediction and prevention. The advertised role offers scope to develop your own research ideas within this framework while collaborating with international researchers in criminology, psychology, and related fields. The institute describes a highly supportive research environment with laboratory facilities, specialist libraries and databases, well-equipped workspaces, and administrative and academic support. The position is embedded in a growing European research center at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, led in the Department of Criminology by Professor Jean-Louis van Gelder.

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law (MPI-CSL) in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on the experimental investigation of short-term mindsets and crime. This opportunity is part of the Short-Term Mindsets Theory (STMT) research program, which aims to unify fragmented predictors of criminal behavior by examining how situational and dispositional factors interact to influence crime propensity. The successful candidate will join an ambitious interdisciplinary team and contribute to cutting-edge research by designing and conducting experimental studies on the causes and consequences of short-term mindsets. The project emphasizes the situational activation of short-term mindsets, using innovative methods such as virtual reality, smartphone applications, and mobile laboratory data collection. Candidates will have the opportunity to develop their own research ideas within this framework, focusing on situational triggers, decision-making processes, behavioral outcomes, or developmental and environmental factors shaping sensitivity to criminogenic cues. Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a master's 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 fully funded for four years, with remuneration and social benefits based on the German Civil Service Collective Agreement (TVöD Bund), pay category 13, 65%. The salary includes all mandatory social insurance contributions for health care, long-term care, unemployment, and retirement. MPI-CSL offers exceptional research facilities, specialist libraries, databases, well-equipped workspaces, and comprehensive academic and administrative support. Flexible work options, free in-house German language courses, and access to nearby childcare facilities are available to support work-life balance and professional development. To apply, candidates must submit a motivation letter, CV (including publications), a writing sample, study certificates, transcripts, and the contact details of at least one scholar willing to provide a reference. Applications should be submitted via the online portal by 20 May 2026. The selection process includes notification in the week of 1 June 2026 and online interviews planned for June 2026. MPI-CSL is committed to diversity and equal opportunity, welcoming applicants from underrepresented backgrounds. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Dr. Jean-Louis van Gelder ([email protected]) or Dr. Annika Hampel ([email protected]). More details about the institute and the position can be found at the application portal and MPI-CSL website .

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 the innovative topic of short-term mindsets and crime. Under the direction of Professor Jean-Louis van Gelder, this research program explores the dynamic mechanisms underlying criminal behavior, specifically investigating how short-term orientations influence decision-making and crime propensity. The position is part of a broader agenda to unify fragmented predictors of crime through the Short-Term Mindsets Theory (STMT), which posits that individuals' focus on immediate versus long-term outcomes is a key factor in understanding and preventing crime. As a PhD candidate, you will join an international and interdisciplinary team, collaborating with experts in criminology, psychology, behavioral science, and related fields. The research environment at MPI-CSL is highly dynamic, with access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, specialist libraries, databases, and comprehensive academic support. The department is renowned for its application of innovative methods, developmental theories, and real-world interventions, and currently hosts several researchers with prestigious European Research Council grants. Your work will involve designing and conducting empirical studies on the causes, consequences, and malleability of short-term mindsets, with opportunities to develop your own research ideas within this framework. Potential research directions include situational triggers, decision-making processes, behavioral proxies, and interventions targeting short-term orientations. The position encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and offers numerous opportunities to participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences. Eligibility requirements include a completed or nearly completed master’s degree in psychology, pedagogy, empirical criminology, behavioral economics, sociology, or a related discipline. Candidates should possess a background in statistics, experience with experimental research, a strong interest in crime research, and excellent English language skills. A collaborative attitude and commitment to open science are highly valued. German language skills are beneficial but not mandatory. The position is full-time (39 hours/week) and limited to four years, with no teaching obligations. Remuneration and social benefits are provided according to the German Civil Service Collective Agreement (TVöD Bund), pay category 13, 65%, including health care, long-term care, unemployment, and retirement insurance. The Institute supports a positive work-life balance, flexible work options, professional development opportunities, and free in-house German language courses. Daycare spots are available at a nearby childcare facility. Applications from underrepresented groups in science and research are strongly encouraged. To apply, submit your motivation letter, CV, writing sample, study certificates, transcripts, and reference contact details via the online application portal by 31 December 2025. For questions, contact Prof. Dr. Dr. Jean-Louis van Gelder or Dr. Annika Hampel. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held online in February 2026.

The Department of Criminology at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, is recruiting for a fully funded PhD position focused on 'Short-Term Mindsets and Crime: From Theory to Intervention.' This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in experimental and interdisciplinary research on crime, decision-making, and behavioral science. The research program investigates the role of short-term mindsets in criminal behavior, exploring their causes, dynamics, and potential for intervention. The position offers scope for developing independent research ideas within the framework of short-term mindsets theory, including situational triggers, decision-making processes, behavioral proxies, and interventions. Applicants should hold or be close to completing a master's degree in psychology, pedagogy, empirical criminology, behavioral economics, sociology, or a related field. Experience with advanced research methods such as experimental designs, longitudinal data, or ecological momentary assessment is an asset but not required. Strong interest in crime research, teamwork, excellent English language skills, and commitment to open science are essential. German language skills are helpful but not mandatory. The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law is a leading European center for criminology, public security, and criminal law research. The department offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment with access to top laboratory facilities, specialist libraries, databases, and comprehensive support. The institute values diversity and supports equal opportunities for all applicants. The PhD position is fully funded for four years, with no teaching obligations. Remuneration is based on TVöD Bund, pay category 13, 65%, including all mandatory social insurance contributions. Additional benefits include flexible work options, professional development, free German language courses, and access to childcare facilities. The work location is Freiburg im Breisgau, a vibrant university city in Germany's trinational border region. To apply, candidates must submit a motivation letter, CV, writing sample, study certificates, transcripts, and contact details of at least one referee via the online application portal. The application deadline is 31 December 2025. For further information, contact Prof. Jean-Louis van Gelder or Dr. Annika Hampel. More details about the institute and position can be found at https://csl.mpg.de .

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