Fully Funded Postdoc Fellowship: Political Science at Max Planck Institute Germany 2026
Are you an early-career researcher in political science looking for a fully funded postdoctoral fellowship in Germany? The Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science in Göttingen offers a three-year position in its new Department of Political Institutions and Conflict. This role suits scholars with strong data skills who want to study political violence, democratic changes, and elections, especially in the Global South.
Overview of the Fellowship
This full-time postdoctoral fellowship starts in September 2026. It falls under the Max Planck Society, a top group for scientific research. The department looks at how political systems affect conflicts and democracy. Fellows work on real-world problems like violence, weakening democracies, and fair elections. The focus stays on data from surveys, fieldwork, and records, mainly from places like Africa and Asia.
Main Research Themes
The department builds its projects around three key areas:
- Institutions and political violence: This covers how rules and governments influence fights and unrest.
- Democratic politics in transformation: Researchers study shifts in elections and power in changing societies.
- Political economy of electoral integrity: The work checks money, power, and fairness in voting systems.
You can use numbers-based methods like statistics or interviews. Tools such as R or Stata help analyze surveys and big datasets.
What You Will Do
As a fellow, your main job is research. You will:
- Lead your own projects and team up on papers.
- Travel for fieldwork and talk to people in study areas.
- Help hire and guide PhD students.
- Plan events like workshops and share results online or in talks.
- Handle data and reports.
You must live near Göttingen and show up often. This keeps the team strong.
Basic Requirements
To apply, you need:
- A PhD in political science by the start date.
- Papers in good journals or proof you can publish well.
- Interest in the department’s topics.
- Skills in stats like panel regression, big data, and surveys.
- Great English for writing and speaking.
- Ability to work alone or with others.
The institute values honest work and clear thinking.
Helpful Extra Skills
These boost your chances:
- Knowledge of cause-and-effect stats.
- Experience in Global South spots like West Africa or South Asia.
- Extra languages such as Hindi or Bengali.
- Practice with event data or fieldwork interviews.
What You Get
The pay follows Germany’s public scale (TVöD Bund, EG 13), based on your background. It is competitive for postdocs. You gain:
- World-class labs and networks.
- Teamwork across fields.
- No required teaching, so more time for research.
- Option to teach if you want.
All nationalities can apply. Women and people with disabilities get special encouragement.
How to Apply
Send one PDF with:
- Your CV and publication list.
- A two-page letter on your interests and fit.
- A two-page plan for research in their themes.
- Names and contacts for three references.
- One sample paper (explain your role if shared).
No extra files. Apply online through the institute’s site.
Key Dates
- Deadline: May 3, 2026.
- Interviews (online): June 11-12, 2026.
- Start: September 1, 2026 (or sooner).
Check the Max Planck career page for the direct link. This chance lets you grow your career at a leading spot while tackling big political issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline for this fellowship?
The deadline is May 3, 2026. Interviews are scheduled for June 11-12, 2026.
What are the main requirements to apply?
You need a PhD in political science by the start date, publications in good journals, strong stats skills, and good English. Interest in the department’s topics is key.
What research themes does the department focus on?
The themes are institutions and political violence, democratic politics in transformation, and political economy of electoral integrity, with a focus on the Global South.
How do I submit my application?
Send one PDF with your CV, publication list, two-page motivation letter, two-page research plan, three references, and one sample paper via the institute’s online portal.