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Political Science / Conflict Studies / Comparative Politics● Open★ MSCAPreview

Doctoral Researcher in Political Institutions and Conflict

Join a newly established Max Planck Institute to explore political violence, institutional responses, and democratic resilience through interdisciplinary research.

Best for:Best for political scientists or social scientists with a strong quantitative background, interest in conflict studies, and a passion for interdisciplinary research on democratic resilience and political violence.

Max-Planck-Institut für Politische und Sozialwissenschaften · Göttingen, Germany · R1 · First-stage researcher
More professors at Max-Planck-Institut für Politische und Sozialwissenschaften
Political violence in democraciesInstitutional responses to conflictPublic support for violent movementsViolent rhetorical vs. behavioral strategiesDemocratic erosion and extremismPolicy-relevant conflict research
Deadline
Nov 11, 2026
28 days
Funding
Salaried
Based on the German collective agreement for civil servants (TVöD Bund), pay group EG 13, 75%/grade 1–2
Start date
2027-01-01
Full-time
Location
Göttingen
Germany

Overview

This doctoral position at the Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science focuses on the dynamics of political violence in democracies, institutional responses, and public support for violent movements. The successful candidate will conduct research within the **DIViNE Doctoral Network**, a Horizon MSCA-funded initiative, examining how political institutions manage or exacerbate conflict. The project combines quantitative methods (e.g., panel regression, survey experiments), qualitative fieldwork, and mixed-methods approaches to study violent strategies in Global North democracies. The PhD will be based in Göttingen, Germany, with a secondment at the University of Amsterdam and Clingendael Institute for policy engagement. The role emphasizes independent research, collaboration, and training in cutting-edge methodologies.

political violencedemocratic resilienceconflict managementquantitative methodssurvey experimentsfieldwork interviewscausal inferencepolicy engagement

What you'll do

  • Develop and defend a doctoral thesis on the dynamics of support for violent movements and institutional responses, leading to a PhD from the University of Amsterdam’s Faculty of Social Sciences.
  • Conduct empirical research using quantitative methods (e.g., panel regression, survey experiments, large administrative data) and qualitative fieldwork (e.g., interviews, shadowing).
  • Co-author publications with project members and present findings at workshops, conferences, and network events.
  • Participate in secondments at the University of Amsterdam and Clingendael Institute for policy training and engagement on extremist threats.
  • Assist with administrative tasks, including organizing project events, workshops, and PhD colloquia.
  • Actively engage in DIViNE training network activities, including training modules, research workshops, and PhD colloquia.
  • Maintain regular physical presence at the Max Planck Institute and reside within commuting distance of Göttingen.

Requirements

Degree required: A Master’s degree or equivalent in political science or a closely related discipline, obtained by the start of employment.

Degree offered: PhD

Language: English; proficiency at a level sufficient for academic research and publication.

Instruction: English

Required skills
  • Excellent command of social science research methods, including quantitative methodologies (e.g., panel regression, causal inference, statistical programming in Stata/R).
  • Experience with large administrative data, survey data, and large language models/AI.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
  • Independent thinking and critical analytical skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team.
Nice to have
Experience with qualitative methods and mixed-methods approaches.Willingness and interest in conducting fieldwork.Expertise in research on political violence.
Eligibility
  • No nationality restrictions; open to applicants of any nationality.
  • No age or residency restrictions specified.
  • No prior experience caps beyond the Master’s degree requirement.

Funding & terms

Type
Salaried
Amount
Based on the German collective agreement for civil servants (TVöD Bund), pay group EG 13, 75%/grade 1–2
Duration
3 years (with option for up to two extensions of 6 months each)
Programme
Horizon MSCA Doctoral Network (DIViNE)
EU-FUNDEDMax Planck Society (funded by German Federal and State Governments and Horizon MSCA)

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-11-11

Applications must be submitted online via the Max Planck Institute’s recruitment portal. Include a CV, a two-page cover letter outlining your motivation, a two-page PhD project proposal, unofficial transcripts, contact details for two academic references, and a 10-page writing sample. Additional reference letters will be requested only for shortlisted candidates.

Documents required
  • CV
  • Two-page cover letter outlining preparation and motivation
  • Two-page PhD project proposal
  • Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts
  • Contact details of two academic references
  • Writing sample (max. 10 pages)
↗Apply on site

Contact

Silvia Störmer· Recruitment Contact

silvia.stoermer@ips.mpg.de

UD
Prof.
Ursula Daxecker
Department of Political Institutions and Conflict
Lab
DIViNE Doctoral Network (Democratic Institutions and Violence Network in Europe)
Max-Planck-Institut für Politische und Sozialwissenschaften
Horizon MSCA Doctoral Network (DIViNE)Germany
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