Our institute is a research facility established by the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science. The Department of Social Law is devoted to basic research in the field of foreign and international social law. We are offering one
PhD Position in Law (m/f/d) for the Research Group "Our Children's Children: A Comparative Analysis of Constitutional Protections of Future Generations".
Your tasks
The selected candidate will be part of the Minerva Fast Track Research Group led by Dr. Irene Domenici. The group will explore the role of constitutional and public law in safeguarding the rights and well-being of future generations, with a particular focus on climate change, social law and public finances. The successful candidate will contribute to the group's comparative legal analysis by investigating constitutional frameworks, judicial decisions, and legislative approaches across multiple jurisdictions. In particular, they will examine how legal systems provide for the needs of future generations and what mechanisms can be developed to strengthen their protection.
The preferred starting date is 1st September 2025, with some flexibility for a later start if needed.
Your profile
Applicants are expected to hold an excellent degree in law that meets the doctoral admission requirements of the Law Faculty at Ludwig Maximilian University Munich. Prior experience in social law, public finance, or comparative law is welcomed. Familiarity with legal developments in Global South jurisdictions is highly desirable. Full proficiency in English is expected and additional language skills are desirable.
What we offer
Doctoral candidates receive doctoral funding contracts, which combine research freedom with social security. They allow doctoral researchers to devote themselves independently to their scientific work without any constraints. Funding contracts are for a duration of three years, with the possibility of extension for another year. Research visits - also abroad - within the framework of the doctorate can be supported. The agreed working time currently amounts to 39 hours per week. Payment is equivalent to a 65% position under the German TVöD E 13 payment scheme and currently amounts to a monthly minimum of around 3000 euros gross.
We offer attractive working conditions in a modern, well-equipped institute with a global network. Our institute holds the world's largest social law library and is located in the heart of Munich.
We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.
Your application should include a letter of motivation, a curriculum vitae, copies of your certificates and qualifications and (if available) a writing sample of 10-20 pages (seminar paper, journal article or book chapter). Please apply through our online recruiting tool till 15 June 2025 to:
Max Planck Institute for Social Law and Social Policy
Marstallstraße 11
80539 Munich
Germany
Apply now