The Max Planck Research Group “Mechanisms of Normative Change” is a research unit at the Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods in Bonn and studies the underlying causal mechanisms of cooperation, con|ict and normative change. It is headed by Fabian Winter and currently works in sociology of migration, social media, and hate speech. The research group works mostly with quantitative methods allowing causal inference, such as experimental methods, panel data, or unstructured data as well as statistical and formal modeling. The position has no teaching obligations.
The research group offers several positions at the earliest possible date:
Senior Research Fellows
(Postdoc, 100% TVöD E 14)
in the field of experimental sociology or computational social sciences such as natural language processing with a particular focus on the evolution of social norms.
The MPI is an interdisciplinary research institute with additional teams in Behavioral Law and Economics (Christoph Engel), Economics (Matthias Sutter), Cognitive Psychology (Susann Fiedler), and Social and Personality Psychology (Anna Baumert). The MPI is part of the research triangle in Bonn (together with the University of Bonn and the briq – Institute for Behavior & Inequality), and researchers are encouraged to participate in joint seminars.
We offer:
- extensive opportunities for further training
- an interesting job in a successful, small team in an international research institute
- excellent technical infrastructure
- support during induction by colleagues who enjoy their work
Your Profile:
- background in Sociology or a related field such as Economics or Computational Social Sciences
- hold of a PhD or is close to completion
- advanced skills in quantitative methods
- background in, or solid understanding of, experimental methods in the social sciences
- experience and a track record working with both laboratory- and survey-based experimental methods or the analysis of unstructured data
- record of independent research
- ability to work in an international team
Scholars with a demonstrated interest and record in researching social norms, experimental methods, sociology of social media, with an analytical sociology approach, are especially encouraged to apply.
The PhD position is limited for a period of one year (based on WissZeitVG), and paid according to TVöD Bund pay group 14 (100%).
To learn more about the Max Planck Research Group “Mechanisms of Normative Change”, please visit our website at https://www.coll.mpg.de/28818/research-group-winter.
The Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods is an equal opportunities employer. Applications from women with the requisite qualifications and interests are particularly welcome. The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. The Max Planck Society is also seeking to increase the number of employees with severe disabilities. Applications from such candidates will be given special consideration.
Please apply exclusively online via our application portal.
Please send a cover letter and CV (three pages max.), describing how you believe your interest and expertise can contribute to this project; additionally, please include one or two manuscripts or published articles in your application which you feel best represent your work and its relation to this project.
The application deadline is 30th April 2021.
We are looking forward to your application!
Max Planck Institute for
Research on Collective Goods
Kurt-Schumacher-Straße 10
53113 Bonn