Postdoc (f/m/d) | Criminal Law Theory

Job Code: FGH-24-02

Job Offer from February 22, 2024

The Department of Criminal Law at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, in Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany), is seeking to recruit a highly qualified Postdoc (f/m/d) at the earliest possible starting date.

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law (MPI-CSL) is a growing European center for research in public security matters, criminal law, criminology, and fundamental legal research. Our Institute 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 by the 31 Nobel Prizes awarded to Max Planck scientists since the Society was founded in 1948.

The postdoctoral position is embedded in the independent Research Group “Criminal Law Theory” headed by Dr. Dr. Philipp-Alexander Hirsch. It is part of the Department of Criminal Law (Director: Prof. Dr. Tatjana Hörnle). This research group takes an interdisciplinary approach and is dedicated to the study of the normative foundations and functions of punishment and criminal law. Its researchers analyze criminal law and criminal procedure with regard to their underlying normative structures and principles, focusing on current challenges that arise in a similar way in different legal systems. The aim is to develop proposals for solutions to problems of criminal law that go beyond national legislation.

The Institute, with its approximately 150 employees, is located in Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany), 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.

You should have a strong academic background in law or practical philosophy and a keen interest in fundamental research in criminal law and interdisciplinary work. Ideal candidates will possess the following qualifications:

• A university degree in law or philosophy with outstanding results.
• Proven research excellence, as evidenced by a PhD with excellent results (preferably with the distinction “summa cum laude” or the highest grade in another grading system), publications in high-ranking journals or other equivalent research contributions.
• Research interest and/or experience in analyzing the normative foundations and functions of punishment and criminal law; a particular interest in the program of the Research Group “Criminal Law Theory” is desirable.
• Willingness and ability to cross traditional disciplinary boundaries and enhance innovative research approaches.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a highly dynamic, interdisciplinary and international research environment (the working language can be either German or English).

The primary purpose of the position is to carry out own research projects and to contribute to the research projects and academic activities of the research group. It is also ideal for the pursuit of a post-doctoral lecturing qualification (habilitation) based at a German university. All researchers at the Institute are given ample time to pursue their research, publish their own work, and to advance their academic careers. There is no obligation to teach, but we will gladly support you if you are interested in gaining teaching experience.

Our Institute offers unrivaled research conditions: 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, well-equipped workplaces, and comprehensive administrative and academic support. Additionally, there are many opportunities for our researchers to participate in workshops, attend seminars and conferences, and liaise 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. Collaboration with other researchers and international partners at the Institute is a key element of our work.

The position is full-time (currently 39 hours/week). Remuneration and social benefits are based on the German Civil Service Collective Agreement (TVöD Bund), pay category 13 (entry level depending on prior experience; https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/tvoed/bund/ ). All mandatory social insurance contributions for health care, long-term care, unemployment, and retirement are included in the salary.

The initial contract is a fixed-term appointment for three years with the possibility of extension up to six years in accordance with the Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG). The work location is Freiburg im Breisgau/Germany. Ensuring the compatibility of family and career and a positive work-life balance is important to the Max Planck Society. We offer flexible working arrangements, including remote work, and there are a number of daycare spots at a nearby childcare facility. Generous opportunities for personal and career development are provided, including free in-house German language courses.

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

• Cover letter including your research interests and relevant work experiences;
• Research proposal (max. three pages);
• Detailed CV;
• List of publications;
• Copy of the doctoral dissertation;
• Additional publications (max. 2), if relevant to the application;
• 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 1 April 2024.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Annika Hampel, Recruitment Officer ([email protected] ), or Dr. Dr. Philipp-Alexander Hirsch ([email protected] ).

For information about our Institute, visit our website at: https://csl.mpg.de/en .