Postdocs (m/f/d) incl. possibility to earn post-doctoral lecturing qualification (habilitation)

The Department of Public Law at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany (Director: Prof. Dr. Ralf Poscher) is seeking to recruit several Postdocs (w/m/div) incl. possibility to earn post-doctoral lecturing qualification (habilitation) at the earliest possible starting date.

Background

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law is a leading European center for research in public security matters, criminal law, criminology, and fundamental legal research. The Institute is part of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science – one of the world’s most distinguished research organizations. The high level of its fundamental research is reflected not least by the 31 Nobel Prizes awarded to Max Planck scientists since the Society was founded in 1948.

The research conducted in our three departments (Public Law, Criminal Law, Criminology) is comparative, international, and interdisciplinary. The Department of Public Law's research agenda addresses the preventive aspects of security-related matters. Besides theoretical and fundamental doctrinal questions, which in security law are frequently of heightened relevance, our research analyzes contemporary legal, technical, and social developments — internationalization, digitization, and fragmentation — along with associated normative challenges of danger prevention regarding fundamental rights protection, the rule of law, and democratic principles.

The Institute, with its approximately 150 employees, is located in Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany), a dynamic university city with a 900-year history. The city in the trinational border region – Germany, Switzerland, and France – impresses newcomers with its high quality of life and international flair.

Your profile

The candidates have research interests in the areas of public security law, fundamental aspects of public law, or legal philosophy and legal theory. Your research interest or specific research project (description limited to three pages) aligns with the research program of our department.

The prerequisite for the position is a doctorate with excellent results in law, in related humanities, or in the social sciences. Your PhD dissertation in English or German will have been awarded ”summa cum laude” or the highest grade in another grading system.

Candidates with a state examination in law could pursue a habilitation – post-doctoral lecturing qualification – if they meet the necessary requirements. Speaking German is an asset but not a prerequisite for the position.

Our offer

Postdocs at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law are given ample time to develop their own research projects, to publish their own work and to advance their academic careers. They can use the excellent research infrastructure and the scientific support services of the Institute. In addition, a reasonable amount of participation in and contribution to the research, publications, and academic activities of the Department of Public Law is expected. There is no teaching requirement. If you are interested, we can help you gain teaching experience.

Our Institute offers unrivaled research conditions: access to an outstanding, specialized library (with approximately 517,000 volumes, 900 print journals, 100,000 electronic books and journals) as well as access to a comprehensive range of German and foreign case law and literature databases, excellent workplaces, and comprehensive administrative and academic support. Collaboration with other researchers and international partners at the Institute is a key element of our work. Additionally, there are many opportunities for our researchers to participate in workshops, attend seminars and conferences, and liaise with world-renowned experts at the Institute and as part of the Max Planck Law network.

We offer a fully funded research position with no teaching obligations. Remuneration and social benefits are based on the German Civil Service Collective Agreement (TVöD Bund), pay category 13 (entry level depending on prior experience; https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/tvoed/bund/). The salary includes all mandatory social insurance contributions for health care, long-term care, unemployment, and retirement. The initial contract is a fixed-term appointment for two or three years with the possibility of extension up to six years in accordance with the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG). The place of employment is Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany). The Max Planck Society is committed to ensuring the compatibility of family and career and can offer flexible working arrangements, including remote work. There are a number of daycare spots at a nearby childcare facility. Generous opportunities for personal and career development are provided, including free in-house German language courses.

The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer and supports diversity in the workplace. Applications from disabled persons are welcome. We also aim to increase the percentage of female staff members in fields in which they are underrepresented and therefore expressly encourage women to apply. Applications are also particularly welcome from persons with backgrounds that have so far been underrepresented in science and research with regard to gender, age, professional and cultural background, family situation, sexual orientation, and nationality.

Your application and further information

Your application is written in either English or German and contains the following documents:

• cover letter including your research interests and relevant work experience;
• research proposal (max. three pages);
• detailed CV;
• list of publications;
• copy of the doctoral dissertation;
• additional publications (max. 2), if relevant to the application;
• transcripts of your academic achievements at university and, where applicable, work certificates;
• names and contact details of at least two (former or current) professional supervisors who have agreed to provide a reference.

Please submit your application by the closing date of 7 September, 2025 via our online application portal.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interviews with shortlisted candidates are currently planned for September, 2025. However, in individual cases, interviews may be scheduled in advance if complete application documents are available.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Annika Hampel, Recruitment Officer.