Max Planck Research Group Leader in Criminology (f/m/div) (W2; eq. associate professor level)

The Department of Criminology at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law,
in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany (Director: Professor Jean-Louis van Gelder) is seeking to recruit a

Your profile

We are currently looking for a behavioral scientist with a strong empirical background, an interest in innovative methods (e.g., virtual reality, smartphone applications, ABM, computational science, etc.), and an affinity with crime research. The Max Planck Research Group Leader will work with the Director and other researchers to further develop the broad research agenda of the department on one or more of the department’s three core areas of interest: developmental theories of crime, innovative research approaches, and practical application.

In addition, you will have

• a PhD in psychology, (empirical) criminology, behavioral economics, sociology, or a similar discipline;
• a highly collaborative attitude, and you value team work, enhancing the work of others, and supporting (junior) scientists;
• a strong publication record (we value quality over quantity);
• a clear and demonstrable interest in crime research and novel research methods;
• experience in supervising PhD students and leading (small) research teams;
• a very strong background in statistics and/or statistical measurement;
• excellent social and communication skills.

Ideal candidates are committed to open science and transparent research practices.

Background

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law is a recently established European center for research in criminology, public security matters, and criminal law. The 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 in the 29 Nobel Prizes awarded to Max Planck scientists since the Society was founded in 1948.

The research conducted in our three departments (Criminology, Criminal Law, and Public Law) is comparative and international. The Department of Criminology offers a highly interdisciplinary and dynamic research environment that includes psychologists, sociologists, mathematicians, criminologists, and computer scientists. It has its own centrally located, top-notch research lab with excellent VR equipment. The department pushes the boundaries of crime research through the application of innovative methods, developmental theories of crime, and real-world application.

The research conducted in the department seeks to understand the causes and consequences of criminal behavior and to develop effective interventions for the prevention of crime and the facilitation of offender rehabilitation.

The Institute, with its approx. 145 employees, is located in Freiburg im Breisgau, a dynamic and green 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 and according to The Guardian (September 2022) belongs to the ten best “European city breaks with a difference”.

Our offer

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law offers a competitive package with funds for PhD and postdocs researchers, academic resources, and travel (100.000 EUR per annum). Successful candidates will develop an independent research program in an interactive and cross-disciplinary research environment. Additionally, the Institute has exceptional specialist libraries and databases and offers excellent facilities for professional and personal development.

The initial appointment of the group leader is for five years, with the possibility of a two-year extension, depending on a successful evaluation. In exceptional cases, the position may be converted into a permanent position. The salary is based on remuneration group W2 Federal Civil Service Remuneration Act (https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/c/t/rechner/beamte/bund?id=beamte-bund-2022&matrix=1 ). The salary includes all mandatory social insurance contributions for healthcare, long-term care, unemployment, and retirement. The workplace is Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany). We are committed to the reconciliation of family and career and can offer flexible working arrangements. There are a limited number of daycare spots at a nearby childcare facility that are available to the children of Institute employees.

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 in fields in which they are underrepresented and therefore expressly encourage women to apply. Applications are 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

To apply, please submit your application with the following documents:

• cover letter, including your research interests and your relevant work experience;
• a description of the project you plan for the research group (maximum five pages);
• your CV, including a list of publications;
• the three publications you consider your best;
• your PhD thesis / dissertation;
• name and email address of two scholars who have agreed to provide a reference for you;
• transcripts of your academic achievements at university and, if applicable, work certificates.

Please submit your application via our online application portal. Please click Apply.

The deadline for applications is 30 September, 2022.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Dr. Jean-Louis van Gelder ([email protected] ) or Dr. Annika Hampel, Recruitment Officer ([email protected] ).

Additional information about our Institute is available on our website: https://csl.mpg.de/en .