2026 Postdoctoral Researcher in Sociology at Heidelberg University

The Max-Weber-Institute for Sociology (MWI) at the University of Heidelberg invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in Sociology for a duration of three years (starting April 2026) with the possibility of an extension. The position is based at the Chair of Comparative Social Stratification (Waitkus) in the ERC funded project SOCDEBT – Towards a Sociology of Debt Stratification and its Moral Foundations across Countries.

Your tasks:

• Carry out high-quality research toward the goals of the project, in an independent and collaborative manner
• Engage independently in data collection (focus groups) in five European countries (DE, IT, NL, PL, UK), as well as data management and analysis
• Author and co-author papers and publications in the frame of the project and with project members
• Present research results and output at international conferences
• Work in a team together with PI Nora Waitkus, three other post-doctoral and pre-doctoral researchers, as well as an international research network on the topics of the project

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineMarch 5, 2026
• Study LevelPostdoctoral Fellowships
• SponsorHeidelberg University
• City to studyBaden-Württemberg
• School to studyHeidelberg University
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Individual mentoring and support of academic work
• Collaboration in a nationally and internationally connected research context
• Excellent infrastructure and outstanding career development opportunities (e.g., heiTRACKS)
• Competitive salary and extensive benefits
• Possibility to teach in the area of your expertise (English or German)

Requirements

• PhD in Sociology or a related discipline, completed or nearing completion
• Strong research interest in the field of economic inequality
• Interest in comparative research designs
• Strong track record in qualitative and quantitative methods
• Publication(s) in high-ranking peer-reviewed journals and/or strong evidence of publication potential
• Willingness to collaborate with and visit our international research network (DE, IT, NL, PL, UK)
• Excellent command of English; knowledge of German is an advantage but not a requirement
• Independent, reliable, and committed working style
• Heidelberg University stands for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. People with disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified. 

Application Documents

• A cover letter
• CV
• Certificates
• A writing sample (publications)
• As well as contact information for two individuals who can provide a reference. 

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Application documents should be combined in a single PDF file and sent to [email protected]. 
• For inquiries regarding the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Nora Waitkus [email protected].

For more information, kindly visit the Heidelberg University website.