7 Doctoral Positions at the Cluster of Excellence “The Politics of Inequality”

7 Doctoral Positions at the Cluster of Excellence “The Politics of Inequality”

The Cluster of Excellence “The Politics of Inequality” at the University of Konstanz brings together researchers who study the political causes and consequences of inequality, focusing on how people perceive inequalities, how these perceptions influence collective mobilisation, and how political actors react. In doing so, we adopt a broad perspective on inequality, examining dimensions such as education, income, wealth, environmental conditions, political and social rights, as well as privileges. The disciplines participating in the Cluster range from political science, sociology, economics, linguistics, and related disciplines.

The Cluster offers doctoral positions to highly motivated graduates with an outstanding Master’s degree or equivalent, obtained in a field which is relevant to the Cluster’s research agenda. PhD candidates will pursue their doctoral research projects independently or as part of a project team in one of the Cluster’ interdisciplinary research projects.

The deadline for application is 15 April 2026 . Candidates interested in applying for the advertised positions should indicate the PhD project they apply for in both the statement of purpose and on the electronic application form. Accepted applicants will be enrolled in the Graduate School of the Social and Behavioural Sciences according to their main discipline and will specialise in “Inequality Research”.

All applications should be submitted through the online application portal of the Universityand include a motivation letter, a CV, a letter of reference, certificates and/or a transcript of records.

Pre-selected applicants for the advertised positions may be asked to submit a 3-4 page research proposal and are invited to an interview in the first half of May.

Information about the different PhD positions can be found here:

Questions regarding the application can be directed to the Managing Office of the Cluster.