Call for Applications: for Visiting Fellowship- Cluster of Excellence “The Politics of Inequality” at the University of Konstanz

The Cluster of Excellence “The Politics of Inequality” at the University of Konstanz brings together researchers from political science, sociology, economics, linguistics, and related disciplines. Together, they study the political causes and consequences of inequality, focusing on how people perceive inequalities, how these perceptions influence collective mobilisation, and how political actors react. In doing so, we adopt a broad perspective on inequality, examining dimensions such as education, income, wealth, environmental conditions, political and social rights, as well as privileges.

This Call is Funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG – German Research Foundation) under the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments – EXC-2035/2 – 390681379.

Available funding

Fellowships are available for 2 to 6 months per selected Fellow during the academic year 2026/27. The earliest starting date is the 1st of October 2026, and the latest end date is the 30th of September 2027.

Remuneration will take the form of a monthly flat rate of 6,000 Euros to account for accommodation and living expenses, an additional monthly research allowance of up to 1,500 EUR to finance conference travels and research assistants, and other aspects of Visiting Fellows’ research projects. The Cluster will cover relocation expenses to and from Konstanz (some limitations apply).

To ensure a stimulating exchange among Fellows and Members of the Cluster, Visiting Fellows are expected to live in Konstanz for the duration of the fellowship so they can be present on campus and actively participate in the Cluster’s activities. Fellows are also expected to present their work in the Cluster’s In_equality Colloquium public talk series. Furthermore, we would very much welcome consultation offered to our early career researchers.

Eligibility criteria

Applications are open to researchers from outside the University of Konstanz with an established track record and international visibility, as well as a keen interest in the Cluster’s concepts and lines of research.

We are looking for scholars in inequality research broadly defined and the fields directly related to the Cluster’s research agenda, though not necessarily in disciplines already represented at the Cluster.

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following documents:

The application form with the project data summary (provided in the right side bar).
A research proposal that contributes to the research agenda of the Cluster, investigating core aspects of the political dimension of inequality. It should not exceed four pages and include the project’s duration and schedule. Please describe work packages that might be relevant for using the research allowance at your disposal.
Curriculum vitae and a list of publications.

Please submit your application consisting of the application form, research proposal, CV, and list of publications via our Online Application Portal . The deadline for the application is the 31 of January 2026, 23:59 CET.