Max Planck Göttingen Fellowship 2026: Postdoc in Political Institutions & Conflict
Are you a political scientist ready to tackle big issues like conflict, inequality, and threats to democracy? The Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science in Göttingen Fellowship 2026 offers a chance for postdoctoral researchers to join cutting-edge work. This fellowship focuses on how political institutions link to conflict, with an eye on the Global South.
About the Max Planck Institute and the Department
The Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science in Göttingen studies social and political changes. Key topics include conflict, inequality, fading democracy, and social shifts. The new Department of Political Institutions and Conflict, led by Ursula Daxecker, drives this fellowship.
This department explores three main areas. First, it looks at institutions and political violence. Second, it examines democratic politics in change. Third, it covers the political economy of fair elections. Researchers use tools like surveys, data analysis, and fieldwork, mainly in places like South Asia and West Africa.
The goal is to find fresh ideas for today’s problems, such as rising violence, election threats, and weakening democracies. Fellows will live near Göttingen and join the team full-time.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
As a fellow, you will lead research that fits the department’s goals. This means writing papers with team members and doing fieldwork or interviews in target areas.
You will also help recruit and guide PhD students and junior researchers. Administrative work includes planning workshops, managing data, and sharing findings with wider audiences.
Regular attendance at the institute is required. You must live close enough to commute daily and take part in the research community.
Essential Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you need a PhD in Political Science by the start date. Show strong publications in top journals or clear promise for them.
Prove interest in the department’s themes. You should build skills in new topics or regions. Master quantitative methods like panel regression, big data analysis, surveys, and tools such as Stata or R.
Speak and write English fluently. Commit to honest research, think on your own, and work well in teams.
Desirable Skills and Experience
Extra strengths help your case. Knowledge of causal inference methods is a plus. Experience in Global South areas like South Asia or West Africa stands out.
Skills in local languages, such as Hindi or Bengali, add value. Past work with event data or fieldwork interviews is welcome.
How to Apply for the Fellowship
Submit one PDF file by May 3, 2026. Include your CV with publications, a two-page cover letter on your fit with the department, and a two-page research plan tied to its themes.
Add contact info for three referees. Include one published paper or writing sample. For co-authored work, note your role.
Apply online through the official link: Max Planck Institute career page.
This fellowship starts soon after selection. Check the full details on the institute’s site for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Max Planck Institute Göttingen Fellowship 2026?
It is a postdoctoral fellowship at the Department of Political Institutions and Conflict, focusing on topics like political violence, democratic changes, and fair elections, especially in the Global South.
What are the key eligibility requirements?
You need a PhD in Political Science by the start date, strong publications, skills in quantitative methods like surveys and data analysis, and fluent English.
What tasks will fellows handle?
Fellows lead research projects, write papers, conduct fieldwork, mentor PhD students, and help with workshops and data management while attending the institute regularly.
How and when do I apply?
Submit one PDF with your CV, cover letter, research plan, referees, and a writing sample by May 3, 2026, via the official Max Planck career page.