Full-time for two years with a starting date of April 1, 2026, or earlier).
Research in the department explores how institutions impact whether conflict is managed peacefully or not, and how conflict itself can sustain or undermine institutions. The department's empirical focus is on the Global South and combines advanced quantitative methods, such as survey-based and observational causal inference designs, with qualitative approaches, such as fieldwork and interviews. Through this research, the department aims to produce new, evidence-based insights relevant to policy and contemporary society.
A postdoctoral research fellow with relevant skills and interests is sought for a project aiming to understand the persistence of political violence in democracies, with an empirical focus on India. Research largely agrees that the adoption of democracy reduces the severity of political violence, but low-intensity forms often persist. This project will describe and explain patterns of persistence, including why political violence continues to occur, in what form, and with what strategies. Moreover, the project will explore the effects of political violence on democratic quality. The project relies on a multi-method approach, including quantitative analysis of news reporting on political violence, electoral and other administrative data, survey data, and qualitative data gathered from fieldwork and interviews.
Conduct high-quality research within the framework of the project, including the design, collection and analysis of event data;
Write academic articles with other project members (including the director and associated researchers at the MPI and other institutions);
Assist with administrative responsibilities related to the project, including organization of workshops, writing deliverables, data management, and dissemination of project findings in general audience venues;
Co-support and mentor PhD students and junior researchers working on the project;
Be affiliated with and take active part in the research environment at the Department. a PhD degree or equivalent in Political Science. publications in highly ranked international journals) or demonstrated potential thereof;
excellent command of quantitative research methods, including panel regression, analysis of large administrative data, survey data, and statistical programming in Stata/R/etc.;
experience collecting, coding, and analyzing event data;
excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
excellent oral and written communication skills in Hindi or Bengali;
expertise in research on Indian politics;
The position is full-time and for a period of two years (with a probational period of six months) ending 31 March 2028. Salary is based on the German collective agreement for civil servants (TVöD Bund), level E 13.
The Max Planck Society is mainly funded by German Federal and State Governments (see ). Max Planck Institutes provide outstanding facilities, academic resources and intellectual environments for the support of independent research. There are no teaching obligations for staff, but teaching and other forms of co-operation with universities are possible.
The Max Planck Society wishes to increase the participation of women across the sciences. a two-page cover letter describing your interest and alignment with the project's goals;