Call for Applications: Three Senior Research Fellows (Postdoc) (d/f/m) | Public International Law, at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law, Application Deadline- 15 June 2026

At the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law, scholars pursue research relating to basic issues and current developments in the areas of public international law, European Union law, and the constitutional and administrative law of individual states, together with numerous visiting scholars from all over the world. In its fields, our library is the largest in Europe and one of the most comprehensive in the world.

Currently, we are seeking to recruit three Senior Research Fellows (Postdoc) (d/f/m) with Professor Helmut Philipp Aust in the subject area of public international law.

Your profile

Completed or be in the process of completing an advanced degree in law (Dr iur, PhD, or SJD) or an equivalent academic qualification
Excellent knowledge of English (both spoken and written); further language skills are an asset, especially German and/or French
Excellent analytical and writing skills
High motivation for academic work

We offer

An attractive and international work environment with an unparalleled research infrastructure and a good working atmosphere
A varied, responsible and team-oriented job
A workplace with extensive academic and administrative support
Remuneration in accordance with the guidelines of the MPG funding agreements
Access to our world-leading library and a large number of databases
A workplace that is easy to reach by public transport and has free employee parking spaces
A job ticket for public transport
Offers for work-life balance in the area of family and four affiliated daycare centres

Job description

The senior research fellow will conduct postdoctoral research (individual publications and contributions to common research projects) in the field of public international law. Applicants are encouraged to apply with project ideas relating to the following three core research streams:

cooperation in antagonistic times,
empirical foreign relations law and,
geographies of international law.

Teaching at the law faculty of the University of Heidelberg (mainly in German) can be arranged in consultation with the faculty. The position is open to candidates interested in acquiring a postdoctoral academic qualification in the form of a postdoctoral thesis (or a German Habilitation) or other publications. Further details are subject to agreement.

Conditions

The position is based on a 3-year fixed-term contract with the option for extension under certain conditions. The starting date of the position is expected to be in September 2026, with details being negotiable.

Place of work is the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law in Heidelberg, and a regular physical presence in Heidelberg is required.

The salary and social benefits are provided according to the regulations of the Max Planck Society and the Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst (TVöD-Bund).

Application

The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are expressly encouraged. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply.

Did we catch your interest? Please apply exclusively via our online application system with the usual documents (application/motivation letter naming possible research ideas (maximum 1.5 pages), CV in tabular form containing a list of any publications you might have, certificates) by 15 June 2026.