Research Assistant

Goethe University Frankfurt

The DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1750 in:just, coordinated at Goethe University Frankfurt, investigates how justice and participation are normatively framed within education and educational systems.

In subproject A06 - Just Computation? Justly Computed? Studies on Predictive Justice in Education and Law in German–American Comparison [just:comp], as of 01.04.2026, the position for a

Research Assistant (M/F/D)

Doctoral candidate

(E 13 TV-G-U, 75% part-time)

to be filled until 31.12.2029. The salary grade is based on the job characteristics of the collective agreement applicable to Goethe University (TV-G-U).

The project [just:comp] investigates how data-driven predictions in education and criminal justice shape societal norms of justice, recognition, and belonging. With a comparative focus on the USA and Germany, the project employs interviews, discourse analysis, and tool studies (including analyses of platforms such as Naviance, Google Classroom, Fobizz, and COMPAS) using qualitative–reconstructive methods to critically examine the normative effects of algorithmic decision-making. The aim is to explore, from an interdisciplinary perspective, the conditions under which digital and computational systems may contribute to more just institutional practices. The project assumes that such systems gain traction in the context of a broader legitimacy crisis of public institutions and asks whether predictive technologies foster participation – or whether they intensify existing inequalities through technocratic means.

A doctoral position is available. The research focus is on the application of algorithmic prediction systems (Computational Predictions) in the criminal justice system from a comparative perspective (USA/Germany). This research is conducted in collaboration with educational science investigations into Computational Predictions in schools and universities. The successful applicant will conduct an independent doctoral project situated at the intersection of Sociology of Law/Criminology and Law & Technology Studies.

Areas of responsibility:

• Independent execution of an empirical and theoretical doctoral project focusing on the application and consequences of predictive technologies in criminal justice (e.g., in risk assessments, parole decisions, or sentencing)
• Comparative analysis of the institutional, normative, and social rationales for using Computational Predictions, particularly drawing on the US criminal justice system as a starting point
• Investigation of how these technologies influence processes of inclusion, recognition, and justice, for instance, by reproducing or amplifying social inequalities
• Active interdisciplinary cooperation and networking with project partners in Subproject A06, particularly to link the justice-oriented research findings with the team’s educational science perspective
• Presentation of research results at national and international conferences and their publication in relevant academic journals

Candidate Profile:

We are seeking an analytically proficient individual with either a social science background focused on (Criminal) Law or a legal background focused on the Sociology of Law/Criminology. International applications, particularly from the USA, are highly welcome.

For employment and funding-related reasons, the position requires residence in Germany; the successful candidate must therefore be willing to relocate if necessary.

Essential Qualifications:

• An above-average Master’s degree or equivalent university degree in Sociology, Criminology, or a related social science field with a legal Specialization. Alternatively: A completed law degree (First/Second State Examination or equivalent) with a specialization in Criminology or Comparative Law
• Fluent English proficiency (written and spoken) for work in an international context
• Willingness to acquire German language skills (if not already proficient)

Desirable Qualifications:

• Methodological expertise in conducting empirical (qualitative and/or quantitative) and/or theoretical research
• Knowledge of Critical Justice Research, preferably with a connection to "Law & Technology”
• Knowledge of the US criminal justice system and/or the US legal discourse on criminal law
• Demonstrated interest or experience in comparative research (USA/Germany)
• Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration

Application information:

Please send your application by 25.02.2026, quoting reference number SFB 1750-A06, exclusively by email (in a single PDF document, max. 5 MB) to the following email address: burchard@jur.uni-frankfurt.de. Please mention in your cover letter if you have applied for other SFB 1750 positions.