Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d)

Overview

The Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science in Göttingen conducts interdisciplinary research into pressing issues of social and political change, with a particular focus on conflict, inequality, the erosion of democracy and processes of social transformation. The Research Group: Teachers, Inequality and Collective Action is inviting applications for the position of Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) (three years, with an expected starting date of 1 September 2026).

The newly established research group “Teachers, Inequality and Collective Action” (TICA), led by Dr. Hania Sobhy, studies teachers as central agents in the contemporary restructuring of mass schooling. Its research focuses on how teacher social, political, and professional profiles shape their orientations toward inequality, educational transformation and collective action. Methodologically, the group integrates institutional mapping, survey research, and qualitative analysis. TICA's empirical work is primarily focused on the Middle East and North Africa.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct an original (single case or comparative) doctoral research project within the Research Group’s thematic focus
• Publish research findings, independently and collaboratively in working papers and peer‑reviewed academic journals
• Undertake administrative and organizational tasks related to the project, including workshop and seminar organization and dissemination activities, including within the Max Planck Network EduTrack
• Travel to research sites for data collection and project events
• Participate actively in the intellectual life of the research group and the Institute. Regular presence at the Institute is expected, and researchers are required to reside within commuting distance of Göttingen

Profile

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Political Science, Sociology, Education, or a closely related discipline
• Strong analytical and methodological skills (quantitative and/or qualitative)
• Excellent command of written and spoken English; language competence relevant to the proposed doctoral research
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international environment

Desirable Qualifications

• Professional work experience in a related field, including research, international development, public administration, advocacy, and civil society
• Research experience in the Arab region
• Experience in engaging with policy-relevant research questions and dissemination beyond academia

Offer

• A position (full-time) for a period of three years in a stimulating and internationally renowned research environment
• Employment according to the collective wage agreement for the German public service (TVöD Bund) 75% of a full-time position in pay grade EG 13
• Excellent opportunities for academic development, international networking, and interdisciplinary collaboration

The Max Planck Society is funded by the German Federal and State Governments. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the employment of individuals with severe disabilities and encourages applications from this group. It actively promotes gender equality and diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to supporting a healthy work-life balance. There are no teaching obligations for staff, but teaching and other cooperation with universities are possible. Persons of any nationality can apply.

Application

Applications must be submitted online via the recruitment portal and should include the following documents:

• A cover letter (max. 2 pages) describing your academic and professional background, your motivation for applying, and how your proposed research project speaks to the research agenda of the research group
• A brief (1-2 page) research proposal outlining the scope, methods, and geographical focus of your proposed research
• A curriculum vitae
• Academic transcripts from both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
• Your Master’s thesis and/or another writing sample (e.g., an academic paper). Submissions may be in English, French, or German
• The names and contact details of two referees who may be contacted for shortlisted candidates

Please do NOT send additional materials with the initial application. Interviews will be conducted in person or remotely in June .

The application deadline is .

Contact

Informal queries about the position may be directed to Please do NOT send application materials to this email address. Only applications submitted through the recruitment portal will be considered.

Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science
Hermann-Föge-Weg 11
37073 Göttingen
Germany
For information on the institute, please consult