The Department of Public Law at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany (Director: Prof. Dr. Ralf Poscher) is seeking to recruit several
Postdocs (f/m/div) incl. possibility to earn post-doctoral lecturing qualification (habilitation)
at the earliest possible starting date.
Background
The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law is a leading European center for research in public security matters, criminal law, criminology, and fundamental legal research. 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 by the 31 Nobel Prizes awarded to Max Planck scientists since the Society was founded in 1948.
The research conducted in our three departments (Public Law, Criminal Law, Criminology) is comparative, international, and interdisciplinary. The Department of Public Law’s research agenda addresses the preventive aspects of security-related matters. Besides theoretical and fundamental doctrinal questions, which in security law are frequently of heightened relevance, our research analyzes contemporary legal, technical, and social developments — internationalization, digitization, and fragmentation — along with associated normative challenges of danger prevention regarding fundamental rights protection, the rule of law, and democratic principles.
Your profile
The candidates have research interests in the areas of public security law, fundamental aspects of public law, or legal philosophy and legal theory. Your research interest or specific research project (description limited to three pages) aligns with the research program of our department (https://csl.mpg.de/en/public-law/research-program).
Candidates with a state examination in law could pursue a habilitation – post-doctoral lecturing qualification – if they meet the necessary requirements.
Speaking German is an asset but not a prerequisite for the position.
Our offer
Postdocs at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law are given ample time to develop their own research projects, to publish their own work and to advance their academic careers. They can use the excellent research infrastructure and the scientific support services of the Institute. In addition, a reasonable amount of participation in and contribution to the research, publications, and academic activities of the Department of Public Law is expected. There is no teaching requirement. If you are interested, we can help you gain teaching experience.
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, including free in-house German language courses.
Your application
Please submit your application via our online application portal (https://csl.mpg.de/en/career) by the closing date of 30 November, 2026. Please apply via our ‚I would like to apply‘ button on the bottom left of the job ad.