Research Group Leader at the Cluster of Excellence "The Politics of Inequality"

(full-time, Salary Scale E 14 TV-L)

Reference Number 2026/074 . The Cluster offers an independent research group leader position starting ideally on October 1, 2026 for a duration of 5 years. The role includes funding for a doctoral position, a research allowance, and the possibility to participate in the funding lines of the Cluster.

The University of Konstanz is a dynamic and internationally successful research university with approximately 10,000 students. The campus university’s architecture promotes interdisciplinary cooperation and a sense of community among researchers, lecturers and students. The University of Konstanz has been continuously funded by the German Excellence Strategy since 2006.

Cluster "The Politics of Inequality"

The Cluster brings together researchers who study the political causes and consequences of inequality, focusing on how people perceive inequalities, how these perceptions influence political participation and collective mobilisation, and how these forces affect policy‑making processes. The Cluster adopts a broad perspective on inequality, examining dimensions such as education, income, wealth, environmental conditions, political and social rights and privileges. Disciplines participating in the Cluster include political science, sociology, economics, linguistics, and related fields.

Research Group Leader

The Research Group Leader shall make a significant contribution to research at the Cluster and become an active member of the Cluster community. The group’s research agenda should be connected to the Cluster’s research area "Perceptions" and should tackle public perceptions of inequality and fairness, integrating research from different disciplines in a theoretically sound and empirically rigorous and innovative manner.

Your Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a research project that contributes to the Cluster’s research agenda.
• Build up your own research group and develop a research agenda in the field of perceptions of inequality and fairness.
• Establish collaborations with other researchers in the Cluster.
• Produce high‑quality and internationally visible research.

Your Competencies

• Excellent PhD in the social sciences (sociology, political science, economics or similar).
• Significant work experience at the postdoctoral level (typically 2‑4 years).
• Early track record of high‑quality research publications that go beyond the PhD dissertation.
• International orientation in research networks and output.
• Ability and willingness to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Some experience with supervision of graduate students and/or doctoral researchers is an advantage.

We Offer

• A research position without teaching obligations.
• A professional infrastructure and a stimulating workplace for conducting research on inequality.
• A vibrant international and interdisciplinary research environment and community.
• The opportunity to benefit from the Cluster’s research infrastructure and funding lines.

Contact

Interested candidates may contact Cluster Co‑Speaker Prof. Dr. Claudia Diehl ( ) or Managing Director Thomas Wöhler ( ) for further information.

Application Process

Applicants should submit: (1) a research proposal describing the planned project for the research group (max. 4 pages), (2) a current CV and a list of publications, and (3) two reference letters. The closing date for applications is May 15, 2026 . Applications must be submitted via our Online Application Portal.

Selected applicants will be invited to present their research proposal in person in May or June.

The University of Konstanz is committed to ensuring an environment that provides equal opportunities and promotes diversity as well as a good balance between university and family life. Persons with disabilities are explicitly encouraged to apply. To find out how we support working couples through our dual‑career programme, please visit

Preference may be given to appropriately qualified applicants. For further information or assistance with the application, please contact or call +49 7531 88‑4016.