The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG) offers up to three postdoctoral positions starting on October 1, 2018. It provides an attractive environment for postdoctoral researchers to pursue their own research projects within the scope of the Institute’s research program in the fields of economic sociology, political economy, or contemporary history. Positions are awarded for two years. Postdoctoral researchers have an office at the MPIfG. They are expected to reside in the Cologne area and actively participate in the intellectual life of the Institute.

The MPIfG conducts basic research on the governance of modern societies. It aims to develop an empirically based theory of the social and political foundations of modern economies by investigating the interrelation between economic, social, and political action. Building on a long tradition in sociology and political science, the Institute’s research program aims to combine and develop the approaches of new economic sociology and comparative political economy.

Projects at the Institute are clustered in three research areas:
- Sociology of Markets (project area led by Jens Beckert, Professor of Sociology and Director at the MPIfG)
- Political Economy of Growth Models (project area led by Lucio Baccaro, Professor of Macrosociology and Director at the MPIfG)
- Political Economy of European Integration (research group led by Martin Höpner, Adjunct Professor of Political Science)

Contracts are awarded on the basis of scholarly excellence, references, a research proposal outlining a project to be pursued at the MPIfG, and a job interview in person or via video conference. Postdoctoral researchers receive an employment contract; pay and social benefits are based on the Public Service Wage Agreement (TVöD EG 13).

The Max Planck Society is committed to improving the opportunities for women in science and explicitly encourages women to apply. We support our employees in achieving work and family life balance. We are also committed to employing more individuals with disabilities and encourage such applicants to apply.

Please submit your application for admission to the MPIfG Postdoctoral Program online: www.mpifg.de > Careers > Postdoc Program. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2018. Notifications will be made in April.