Job Openings

Postdoctoral Program

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies, Cologne, awards up to four postdoctoral fellowships each year to researchers from Germany and abroad. The fellowships are for twelve months, normally beginning on October 1. The deadline for application is January 31. Awards will be made and applicants notified in May. more
 

 

Doctoral fellowships in economic sociology and political economy

The International Max Planck Research School on the Social and Political Constitution of the Economy (IMPRS-SPCE) offered jointly by the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies and the University of Cologne invites suitable candidates to apply. Applicants must hold a Diplom or a Masters degree in political science, sociology, organization studies or related fields. Program details and the online application form can be found at http://imprs.mpifg.de. Please apply between December 15 and March 15, . more
 

 

Program for Visiting Researchers

Information for Visiting Researchers
 
The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies offers visiting researchers from Germany and abroad the opportunity to conduct research at the Institute. Visitors usually stay for two to nine months. Scholars of all levels of seniority, including Ph.D. students, may apply. Their research projects should closely relate to work done at the MPIfG. The selection process will consider the alignment of the proposed research with the Institute’s current research strengths, or with research areas the Institute wishes to develop as priorities. Applications are particularly sought from researchers working in the fields of Economic Sociology and Political Economy.
 
Applicants are asked to show how they propose to fund their research stay at the Institute. In special cases the Institute can provide a needs-based, negotiable subsidy for living expenses. Visiting researchers are provided with a fully-equipped office (often shared) and have full access to the Institute's service infrastructure.
 
If you are interested, please submit an application in English or German by email, including a C.V., two reference contacts, a list of publications, and a two-to-three page proposal about the work you would like to do at the MPIfG. Attachments should be compiled in one PDF document. The deadlines for submissions are May 31 for the following fall semester (starting October 1) and November 30 for the following spring semester (starting March 1).
 
Please send your application and further inquiries to the MPIfG's Head of Administration, Juergen Lautwein, .
 
Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies
Juergen Lautwein
Paulstr. 3
50676 Köln
Germany
 

 

Senior Researcher

The MPIfG is currently seeking a postdoctoral researcher to begin work on October 1, 2013. The successful applicant would be part of the Sociology of Markets research group headed by Prof. Jens Beckert. Please submit your application as a single PDF or Word document that includes a cover letter, a CV, copies of your qualifications, a list of publications, a selected journal article, a project proposal (2–4 pages) and the names and addresses of two referees. Please apply online by June 30, 2013.
more (PDF)
apply online
 

 

Social Scientist

The MPIfG is currently seeking a social scientist to produce a literature review on crime in the financial market. Work will begin on October 1, 2013 in the Sociology of Markets research group headed by Prof. Jens Beckert. Applicants are required to hold an above-average Master’s degree in sociology, political science, economics or law and have a research focus in financial markets. Excellent English is essential. Please submit your application as single PDF or Word file containing your CV, copies of your qualifications and a list of your publications. Please apply online by June 30, 2013.
more (PDF)
apply online
 

 

Students: Employment as a student assistant

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG) accepts applications from students to be employed on projects and in Service groups (EDV, Library, Editorial and Public Relations, Pool). We offer interesting tasks across a range of different areas.
 
The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies is a research institute for the social sciences. We are therefore particularly interested in applications from social and economic science students (Dipl., BA, or MA) enrolled at German universities.
 
Student assistants work on the institute's research projects. They have an extensive library at their disposal which they may also use for their own studies. They also have opportunities to take part in the institute's internal presentations and seminars. When appropriate, and as part of their involvement in the institute's projects, student assistants may receive support in the planning and writing of their final theses. Further information on the institute is available under www.mpifg.de.
 
Student assistant positions are longer-term and usually span a number of years. Training in the use of our computer systems is provided. Student assistants are expected to have a good knowledge of English. If at the time of application no vacancies are available, we will retain your application documents and contact you again should a vacancy subsequently arise.
 
Payment is in line with the Max Planck Society's stipend regulations: BA students € 380.00 per month for a 10-hour week; € 710.00 per month for a 19-hour week.
 
Please submit your application with copies of your CV, qualifications and, when available, relevant examples from your coursework. State your preferred project area(s) and give your reasons why. We also require the date you expect to complete your studies. State whether your application concerns a compulsory internship required by your study program. If you wish to apply online, please submit the application documents as a single PDF file to Jürgen Lautwein: .
 
Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies
Juergen Lautwein
Paulstr. 3
50676 Köln
Germany
 

 

Short-term internships

Twice a year, the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies offers a limited number of short-term internships. Applicants are expected to have a serious interest in the social sciences and above-average study grades. Students of economics and social sciences (BA or MA) should apply by January 1st for the summer semester, and July 1st for the winter semester. Interns are assigned to ongoing projects and gain insights into the institute's areas of research as well as the activities of the International Max Planck Research School on the Social and Political Constitution of the Economy (IMPRS-SPCE). There are also opportunities to participate in the institute's internal presentations and seminars. When appropriate, support can be given to interns on their thesis projects.
 
Please submit your application with copies of your CV, qualifications and relevant examples from your coursework. State your preferred MPIfG research project(s) and give reasons why, and inform us of the expected duration of the internship. Please apply online and submit the application documents as a single PDF file to Jürgen Lautwein: .
 
Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies
Juergen Lautwein
Paulstr. 3
50676 Köln
Germany