Researcher (m/f/d) | TICA

Postdoc Researcher

The Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science in Göttingen conducts interdisciplinary research into pressing issues of social and political change, with a particular focus on conflict, inequality, the erosion of democracy and processes of social transformation.

At the Institute, the Research Group: “Teachers, Inequality and Collective Action“ is inviting applications for the position of

Researcher (m/f/d) | TICA

(Up to twelve months, expected start 1 September 2026)

The newly established research group “Teachers, Inequality and Collective Action” (TICA) led by Dr. Hania Sobhy, investigates how teachers' social, political and professional profiles shape their orientations toward inequality, educational transformation and collective action. The advertised Researcher position(s) is (are) designed to support advanced postdoctoral or doctoral research and collaboration on education, inequality and/or collective action. The appointment is primarily intended to support the write-up of an ongoing research project with a clear publication goal — typically peer-reviewed journal articles, or a contracted book manuscript. Positions are typically offered for six to twelve months within the period of September 2026 – December 2027 (timing and duration will be discussed individually with selected candidates).

Your tasks

• Conduct independent research aligned to TICA’s thematic focus toward a defined publication output to be submitted during the employment period;
• Present work in progress at research group seminars or events during the appointment period;
• Participate actively in the intellectual life of the research group and the Institute. Regular presence at the Institute is expected, and researchers are required to reside within commuting distance of Göttingen.

Your profile

• For postdoctoral candidates: A doctoral degree in Political Science, Sociology, Education, or a closely related discipline. The degree must have been obtained before the employment start date;
• A research project in progress, relating to inequality or collective action in education, with a clearly defined argument, contribution to the field, and anticipated or contracted publication output;
• A strong record of, or clear trajectory toward, peer-reviewed publications; as appropriate to career stage;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English;
• Preference will be given to applicants working on the MENA region or on Germany, but research projects on other regions will be considered based on thematic fit.

Our offer

• A full-time (or part-time) position in a stimulating and internationally renowned research environment.
• Employment according to the collective wage agreement for the German public service (TVöD Bund, EG 13/EG 14 for researchers at the postdoctoral level and TVöD E13 (75%) for doctoral researchers), depending on qualifications and experience. A contract extension beyond 12 months is possible in exceptional cases.
• Excellent opportunities for academic development, international networking, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Access to Institute resources, library facilities and research infrastructure.
• Initial assistance with finding housing in Göttingen and support towards relocation costs.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the employment of individuals with severe disabilities and strongly encourages applications from this group. As an employer, the Max Planck Society actively promotes gender equality and diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to supporting a healthy work-life balance.

Persons of any nationality can apply.

Please submit your application as a single PDF. Applications must be submitted online via the recruitment portal below and should include the following documents:

• A cover letter describing your background and motivation to join the group, your research scope and its relevance to the group's themes (max. 2 pages);
• A research project description (max. 3 pages) including: a summary of the argument and its contribution to the field; the current state of the work; the anticipated publication output(s); and a work plan for the requested employment period;
• A CV including a list of publications;
• The names and contact details of two referees who may be contacted for shortlisted candidates;
• academic transcripts will be requested for shortlisted doctoral candidates;
• one published article or one other writing sample. Submitted writing samples may be in English, French or German; applicants should indicate their role in co-authored work;
• An indication of the requested duration of employment (typically between 3 and 12 months) based on the submitted workplan for the completion of the proposed publication output(s); as well as an indication of the proposed start date, if other than 1 September 2026.

Please do NOT send additional materials with the initial application.

The application deadline is 6 June 2026.

For inquiries, please contact us via: Bewerbung_TICA@ips.mpg.de

Max-Planck-Institute for Political and Social Science

Hermann-Föge-Weg 11,

37073 Göttingen, Germany