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) (x/f/m)
with Professor Helmut Philipp Aust
in the subject "area 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-orientated 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 multitude of databases
- A workplace that is easy to reach by public transport and 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 contribution 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: (i) cooperation in antagonistic times, (ii) empirical foreign relations law and (iii) geographies of international law.
Teaching at the law faculty of the University of Heidelberg (mainly in German) can possibly 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 under-represented. 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.
Inquiries may be directed to .
Max Planck Institute
for Comparative Public Law and International Law
Im Neuenheimer Feld 535
69120 Heidelberg