Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/x)

Munich School of Politics and Public Policy

The Munich School of Politics and Public Policy (HfP) combines excellence in political science with a commitment to dialogue between politics, society, business, and technology. As an institution affiliated with and supported by the Technical University of Munich (TUM), we address pressing political issues and explore the societal opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies.

The Professorship of Global Security and Technology focuses on contentious politics, political mobilization, and political violence, with a particular emphasis on the role of information and communication technologies. Key areas of research include the spatial and temporal diffusion of protest, the impact of censorship on political attitudes, public perceptions of human rights and security, and the strategic use of violence during election.

To support these teaching and research activities, the Professorship of Global Security and Technology is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/x). The position is initially for two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension, and is planned to start in November 2026. Remuneration is based on TV-L E13 (100%).

Your responsibilities:

• Collaborating in research and teaching at the Professorship of Global Security and Technology, with a specific focus on quantitative methods and political conflict (broadly defined to include contentious politics, political violence, and digital repression)
• Teaching courses in quantitative methods and political conflict at both Bachelor’s and Master’s levels
• Supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s theses
• Conducting quantitative analyses using primary and secondary data
• Preparing and co-authoring scientific publications as well as grant proposals
• Contributing to the administrative tasks of the professorship

Your qualifications:

• Ph.D. (or close to completion) in political science, economics, sociology, or a related social science discipline
• Excellent knowledge of quantitative research methods and statistics
• Excellent programming skills in R (or a comparable language)
• Aptitude for teaching, ideally demonstrated through prior experience in teaching, tutorials, workshops, or supervision (experience in quantitative methods is particularly desirable)
• Ability to teach in both German and English
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Fluency in scientific English (at least level B2 or comparable)
• Research interests in political violence, political mobilization, (digital) repression, public opinion, autocratization, or autocratic politics are desirable

Our offer:

• A full-time position (100%, 40.10 hours per week), suitable for postdoctoral researchers or doctoral candidates nearing the completion of their dissertation.
• The position is scheduled to begin in November 2026 and is limited to two years, with the possibility of an extension for up to one additional year.
• Remuneration is based on the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service of the Länder (TV-L E13).
• The role includes a teaching load of 5 semester hours per semester (typically consisting of two courses and thesis supervision).
• A centrally located workplace in Munich.
• Flexible working arrangements combining on-site and remote work (please note that full-time remote work is not possible).

The Munich School of Politics and Public Policy at the Technical University of Munich strives to increase the proportion of women in its workforce and explicitly encourages applications from qualified female candidates. This position is also suitable for individuals with disabilities. In cases of equivalent suitability, aptitude, and professional performance, preference will be given to disabled applicants.

Your Application:If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your application via Heyrecruit by September 30, 2026. The interviews will take place on October 7 and 8. Your application should include: a curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation, relevant certificates, a writing sample (such as a chapter or article from your doctoral thesis, a working paper, or a publication), and the contact details of two referees.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bastian Gruschwitz (bastian.gruschwitz@tum.de, +49 89 907793 320).