Postdoc (m/f/div)

The Department of Criminal Law at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, in Freiburg im Breisgau / Germany (Director: Professor Tatjana Hörnle), is seeking to recruit an excellent

at the earliest possible starting date.

Background

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law 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 30 Nobel Prizes awarded to Max Planck scientists since the Society was founded in 1948. The Institute was established in 2019 as the successor Institute to the Max Planck Institute for Foreign and International Criminal Law and aims to become a leading European research center.

The research conducted in our three departments (Criminal Law, Criminology, and Public Law) is comparative, international, and interdisciplinary. The scientists in the Department of Criminal Law conduct research in the field of criminal law theory: They analyze the normative foundations and functions of criminal law in contemporary societies and focus on current challenges that arise in a similar way in different legal systems. The aim is to develop solutions in order to further advance criminal law rules and regulatory practices. With its world-renowned, specialized library, the Institute offers an ideal environment for theoretical, doctrinal, and empirical research.

The Institute, with its approx. 145 employees, is located in Freiburg im Breisgau, 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. Freiburg ranks third on Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel 2022” list of the top ten city destinations in the world.

Your profile

The ideal candidate has research interests in the areas of criminal law theory, philosophy of criminal law, or comparative criminal law. The prerequisite for the position is a doctorate with excellent results in law, in related humanities, or in the social sciences. Your PhD thesis in German or English will have ideally been awarded the distinction ”summa cum laude” or the highest grade in another grading system. You have an outstanding academic / publication record that fits the research interests of the Department of Criminal Law. Furthermore, you have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research. Applicants with a state examination in law could pursue a postdoctoral lecturing qualification (habilitation) if they meet the necessary requirements. For habilitation candidates, we provide a high degree of flexibility in terms of contract design and extension.

Our offer

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 department. Our Institute offers unrivaled research conditions: access to an outstanding, specialized library (with approximately 500,000 volumes and 1,100 print journals) as well as access to a comprehensive range of German and foreign case law and literature databases, excellent workplaces, and comprehensive administrative and academic support. Collaboration with other researchers and international partners at the Institute is a key element of our work. Additionally, there are many opportunities for our researchers to participate in workshops, attend seminars and conferences, and liaise with world-renowned experts at the Institute and as part of the Max Planck Law network – a framework of Max Planck Institutes engaged in advanced legal research. The position does not include teaching obligations; however, we will support you in gaining teaching experience.

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

The initial contract is a fixed-term appointment for two years. It can be extended twice (up to a maximum of 6 years), based on the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG). The place of employment is Freiburg im Breisgau. The Max Planck Society is committed to ensuring the compatibility of family and career and can offer flexible working arrangements, including remote work. There are a number of daycare spots at a nearby childcare facility. Generous opportunities for personal and career development are provided.

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 and further information

Your application should be written in either English or German and contain the following documents:

• 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. two) if relevant to the application;
• transcripts of your academic achievements at university and, where applicable, work certificates;
• names and contact details of at least two (former or current) professional supervisors who have agreed to provide a reference.

Please submit your application via our online application portal by the closing date of 31 May 2023: here .

Questions may be directed to Dr. Annika Hampel, recruitment officer, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law (e-mail: [email protected]  ; phone: +49 761 7081-251).

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