The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (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 social, economic, and political action. Building on the disciplinary traditions of sociology and political science, the Institute’s research program aims to combine and develop the approaches of new economic sociology and comparative and international political economy.

We currently have opportunities for

Visiting Researchers (f/m/d)

to join our Visiting Researchers Program in summer semester 2026.

The program is open to scholars from the fields of economic sociology and comparative and international political economy for stays generally ranging from two to twelve months. Applications are welcome from professors and researchers at postdoctoral or doctoral level from Germany or abroad who wish to pursue a project relating the MPIfG’s research program.

As a visiting researcher, you are asked to provide your own funding and a funding plan for your stay. If your application is successful, you will receive a letter of invitation that you can use to approach funding institutions. For planning reasons, agreed dates for a stay as visiting researcher cannot be postponed or split. If you are unable to attend as planned, you are welcome to reapply for the following year.

Successful candidates are chosen on the basis of scholarly excellence and a research proposal of up to three pages outlining a project to be pursued at the MPIfG. During the program, visiting researchers are assigned to an MPIfG director or research group leader. We therefore ask you to indicate a preference in your online application.

A collaborative and collegial working environment is integral to the MPIfG. Starting from the application process, we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all our employees. The compatibility of career and family is one of our key concerns, as is the employment of people with disabilities.

We look forward to receiving your online application in English or German. Please note that we cannot consider applications by email. Further information on the program and how to apply is available on our website. The deadline for applications is October 31, 2025 (23:59pm UTC+1). As a small research institute, we are only able to offer a limited number of positions for visiting researchers each year.