Three one-year Post-doctoral Researchers for a Project on Asylum-seeker Needs and Aspirations

Under the auspices of a recent grant from the Volkswagen-Stiftung, the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity (Department for Socio-Cultural Diversity) wishes to appoint three researchers at the postdoctoral level to develop and undertake a new, multi-method project examining the diversity of asylum-seekers’ needs and aspirations during the asylum-application processin Germany. The project will entail comparative research concerning similarities and differences in the way ssuch needs and aspirations are being addressed across a variety of refugee accommodation centres (Flüchtlingsunterkünfte).

Applicants should have a degree in sociology, anthropology, geography, political science or related fields. They need to have submitted the PhD thesis by January 2016. Successful applicants’ research interests, experience and publications should be relevant to themes and topics within the Department for Socio-Cultural Diversity. Very good German and English is essential.

If you wish to apply, please send a cover letter together with a CV, list of publications, final degree certificates, and the names and contact details of two referees. The closing date for applications is 16 November 2015.

The positions will begin on 1 January 2016 or soon thereafter. Salary is based on the German public service scale TVöD. The Max-Planck-Institute offers an excellent research environment with a well-equipped library, funds for travel and fieldwork, plenty of opportunities to discuss research-related issues in an international group of colleagues and visitors. There are no teaching obligations for staff.

The Max Planck Society wishes to increase the participation of women across the sciences. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Following its commitment to an equal opportunities employment policy, the Max Planck Society also especially encourages disabled people to apply.

Please send any queries, as well as your application, electronically to Jutta Esser (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

NOTE -These three positions are in addition to the Post-doctoral position (three years, renewable), recently advertised by the Institute, for research on the refugee influx in Germany

Candidates may apply for both the one-year postdoctoral and three-year postdoctoral positions: please state clearly in your application if you wish to be considered for both.

Max-Planck-Institut zur Erforschung multireligiöser und multiethnischer Gesellschaften

Hermann-Föge-Weg 11 37073 Göttingen; tel. 0551 4956-0; www.mmg.mpg.de

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