Doctoral Researchers (f/m/d) in The Department of Public Law

 The Department of Public Law at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, in Freiburg im Breisgau/Germany (Director: Professor Ralf Poscher), is seeking to recruit at the earliest possible starting date several Doctoral Researchers (f/m/d).

Background

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law 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 in the 29 Nobel Prizes awarded to Max Planck scientists since the Society was founded in 1948. The Institute was established in 2019 as the successor institute to the Max Planck Institute for Foreign and International Criminal Law and aims to become a leading European research center.

 

The research conducted in our three departments (Criminal Law, Criminology, and Public Law) 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 are frequently of heightened relevance in security law, 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 approx. 145 employees, is located in Freiburg im Breisgau, 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. Freiburg ranks third on Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel 2022” list of the top ten city destinations in the world.

Your profile

The prerequisite for the position is a J.D., LL.M., or M.A. in law, the social sciences, or the humanities with top results. You should possess excellent academic research and scientific writing skills, proven in graded term or final papers (to be enclosed with the application).

The ideal candidates should have research interests in the areas of public security law, fundamental aspects of public law, or legal philosophy and legal theory. Applicants are asked to attach a – non-binding – description of their research interests or a concrete research proposal (max. three pages) indicating how it fits the research agenda of the department.

Our offer

Our Institute offers unrivaled conditions for your research endeavors: access to an outstanding, specialized library (with approximately 500,000 volumes and 1100 print 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 doctoral and postdoctoral 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 with world-renowned experts at both the Institute and as part of the Max Planck Law network – a framework of Max Planck Institutes engaged in advanced legal research. You can develop your own projects and launch your own research initiatives. All researchers at the Institute are given ample time to pursue their research, publish their own work, and to advance their academic careers. The position does not include teaching obligations; however, we will support you in gaining teaching experience.

 

The doctoral positions are full-time (currently 39 hours/week). Remuneration and social benefits are based on the German Civil Service Collective Agreement (TVöD Bund), 65% of pay category 13, grade 1 or 2 (depending on previous experience and type of qualifications demonstrated). 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 three years. It can be extended for a maximum of one year. The place of employment is Freiburg im Breisgau. The Max Planck Society is committed to ensuring the compatibility of family and career. There are a limited number of daycare spots at a nearby childcare facility. Generous opportunities for personal and career development are provided.

 

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 should be written in either English or German and contain the following documents:

• cover letter;
• description of your research interest or research proposal (max. three pages);
• copy of your best term or final paper;
• detailed CV;
• transcripts of your academic achievements at university and, where applicable, work certificates.
   

Please submit your application via our online application portal by the closing date of 30 September 2022.

Questions may be directed to Dr. Annika Hampel, Recruitment Officer, (a.hampel@csl.mpg.de; +49 761 7081-251).