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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. At the Institute, the Research Group: Teachers, Inequality and Collective Action is inviting applications for the position of

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d)

(full-time for 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.

Your tasks

• Conduct quantitative research for the project, including survey design input, fieldwork oversight, and analysis of large-scale cross-national survey data;
• Oversee key aspects of implementing an international teacher survey, including coordination with external survey firms and support for ethics/data protection and other relevant approvals in coordination with the team lead;
• Publish research findings collaboratively within the group in high-quality peer-reviewed journals;
• Develop and pursue an independent research agenda aligned with the research group’s themes, with the aim of producing publishable journal articles;
• Organise project-funded workshops/seminars and dissemination activities, including within the Max Planck Network EduTrack.
• 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.

Your profile

• A PhD degree or equivalent in Political Science, Sociology, Economics, or a closely related discipline. The degree must have been obtained before the employment start date;
• Experience in conducting high-quality quantitative research, with a strong command of statistical analysis of survey data, statistical programming (R/Stata), and reproducible research practices;
• A strong publication record- appropriate to career stage;
• A research profile or demonstrated interest in education, inequality, collective action, political attitudes, or closely related themes;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English;
• Ability and willingness to travel to research sites for data collection and project events, as needed
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international environment;

The following qualifications are desirable:

• Prior experience with survey design and fielding, including coordination with survey firms or research partners
• Research experience in the Arab region and relevant language competence (Arabic, French, or both)
• Experience with questionnaire design, translation/adaptation, measurement equivalence, weighting, or multilevel modeling
• Experience combining quantitative analysis with qualitative research methods.

Our offer

• A full-time position 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, EG 13), depending on qualifications and experience.
• Excellent opportunities for academic development, international networking, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The Max Planck Society is mainly funded by German Federal and State Governments (see www.mpg.de).

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the employment of individuals with severe disabilities and strongly encourages applications from this group. As an employer, the Max Planck Society actively promotes gender equality and diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds (Diversity in the MPG) and are dedicated to supporting a healthy work-life balance. There are no teaching obligations for staff, but teaching and other forms of co-operation with universities are possible. Persons of any nationality can apply.

How to Apply

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

• A CV including a list of publications;
• a cover letter (max. 2 pages) describing your motivation for applying, your experience relevant to the project, as well as outlining the independent research questions you would seek to pursue within the broader framework of the research group;
• the names and contact details of two referees who may be contacted for shortlisted candidates;
• one published article or one other writing sample. Submitted writing samples may be in English, French or German; applicants should indicate their role in co‑authored work.

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

The application deadline is 2026-05-10

Contact

Informal queries about the position may be directed to Bewerbung_TICA@ips.mpg.de

Please do NOT send application materials to this E-Mail 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 www.ips.mpg.de .