Political Science Postdoc Fellowship Germany 2026
Are you an early-career political scientist ready to tackle big questions about conflict and democracy? The Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science in Göttingen, Germany, offers a fully funded postdoctoral fellowship in political science in Germany 2026. This three-year position focuses on political institutions and conflict, with a strong push for data-driven research.
Overview of the Fellowship
This full-time role sits in the institute’s new Department of Political Institutions and Conflict. The Max Planck Society runs the institute, and it leads in scientific research worldwide. Early-career scholars get to work on interdisciplinary projects about political violence, democratic changes, and elections. The emphasis falls on the Global South, using real-world data to study these issues.
Research Focus Areas
The department builds its work around three main themes. First, institutions and political violence looks at how government structures affect fights and unrest. Second, democratic politics in transformation studies shifts in elections and governance. Third, the political economy of electoral integrity checks money and power in voting systems.
Researchers mix numbers and stories in their methods. They use surveys, cause-and-effect studies from observations, fieldwork chats, and data from records or events. This setup helps create solid findings on global problems.
Key Responsibilities
Fellows lead their own research that fits the department’s goals. They co-write papers with team members and join fieldwork trips for interviews. They also help hire and guide PhD students and junior staff.
Other tasks include running workshops, handling data, and sharing results with wider groups. Fellows must live near Göttingen and show up in person often. This keeps the team connected and productive.
Required Qualifications
You need a PhD in political science by the start date. Show a track record of papers in top journals or clear promise to publish there. Prove interest in the department’s themes with strong number skills.
Handle panel regressions, big datasets from offices, and survey stats. Use tools like R or Stata well. Speak and write English fluently. Work alone or in teams with sharp thinking and honesty.
Desirable Skills
Certain extras boost your chances. Know causal inference methods. Have knowledge of places like West Africa or South Asia. Speak languages such as Hindi or Bengali for those areas.
Experience with event data or fieldwork interviews helps too. These skills match the department’s hands-on style.
Benefits Offered
The job lasts three years with a full-time salary under Germany’s TVöD Bund scale, level EG 13, based on your background. You get top resources, team projects, and global links. No teaching duties mean full time for research, though you can teach if you want.
The institute supports women and people with disabilities to join science fields.
How to Apply
Send one PDF with your CV and publication list, a two-page cover letter on your fit, a two-page research plan, three referee contacts, and one writing sample. Explain your role if co-authored. Only full PDFs count; skip extras.
Apply through the institute’s career page.
Key Dates
Submit by May 3, 2026. Remote interviews happen June 11-12, 2026. Start around September 1, 2026, or sooner if possible. All nationalities welcome, but live near Göttingen.
This chance lets you grow your career at a top spot while shaping research on world politics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of this postdoctoral fellowship?
The fellowship centers on political institutions and conflict, with themes like institutions and political violence, democratic changes, and electoral integrity, using data from the Global South.
What qualifications do I need to apply?
You need a PhD in political science, a strong publication record or promise, quantitative skills with tools like R or Stata, and fluent English.
What are the benefits of the position?
It offers a three-year full-time salary at TVöD Bund EG 13, research resources, no teaching duties, and support for women and people with disabilities.
How do I apply and what are the deadlines?
Send one PDF with CV, cover letter, research plan, references, and writing sample via the institute’s career page by May 3, 2026; interviews are June 11-12.