Postdoc Position in Sociology at University of Konstanz, Germany
The University of Konstanz has announced a Postdoc Position in Sociology for researchers interested in political sociology, social movements, prosocial behaviour, environmental sociology, and related areas of inequality research. The full-time position is part of the university’s Sociology – Social Movements working group and the Cluster of Excellence “The Politics of Inequality.”
The position is offered for up to 24 months, with an expected start in November 2026. The successful candidate will be employed full-time at 100% and paid according to salary scale E 13 TV-L.
The opportunity is particularly suitable for researchers who have recently completed a PhD in sociology or a related discipline and have experience with quantitative methods and survey research. The successful applicant will join an internationally oriented research environment examining political protest, civic engagement, solidarity, helping behaviour, and altruistic behaviour in the context of major social challenges. The application deadline is September 13, 2026.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Postdoc Position in Sociology |
| Institution | University of Konstanz |
| Location | Konstanz, Germany |
| Department/Group | Sociology – Social Movements |
| Research Cluster | Cluster of Excellence “The Politics of Inequality” |
| Reference Number | 2026/172 |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Workload | 100% |
| Salary | E 13 TV-L |
| Contract Duration | Up to 24 months |
| Expected Start | November 2026 |
| Academic Level | Postdoctoral |
| Required Degree | PhD in Sociology or related field |
| Main Research Areas | Political sociology, social movements, prosocial behaviour, environmental sociology |
| Methods | Quantitative methods and survey research |
| Working Language | English |
| Application Deadline | September 13, 2026 |
| Application Format | Single PDF |
About the Postdoctoral Position
The University of Konstanz is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join its Sociology – Social Movements working group. The group is led by Prof. Dr. Sebastian Koos and studies how people respond to political, social, and environmental challenges.
Research within the group examines the determinants and consequences of political protest, civic engagement, solidarity, helping behaviour, and altruistic behaviour. These topics are studied in connection with major social problems such as inequality, climate change, and threats to democracy.
An important feature of the research programme is its international comparative perspective. This provides a strong setting for researchers interested in understanding how social, political, and environmental conditions shape individual and collective responses across different societies. The successful postdoctoral researcher will contribute to this research environment while developing an independent research profile.
Research Areas
The position is particularly relevant to researchers with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Political sociology
- Social movement studies
- Prosocial behaviour
- Environmental sociology
- Political protest
- Civic engagement
- Solidarity
- Helping and altruistic behaviour
- Social inequality
- Climate change and society
- Threats to democracy
- Comparative sociology
- Quantitative social research
- Survey research
Applicants do not necessarily need to work on every topic listed above. However, their research background should demonstrate a clear connection with the research interests of the Sociology – Social Movements working group.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD in Sociology or a related field. In addition to the doctoral degree, candidates should have research experience in areas such as political sociology, social movement studies, prosocial behaviour, or environmental sociology. The position also requires advanced knowledge of quantitative methods and survey research.
Strong communication skills are essential. Candidates should have excellent written and oral English skills because the position involves participation in an internationally oriented research environment.
The university is also looking for researchers who can work independently while contributing proactively and effectively to collaborative research projects.
What the University of Konstanz Offers
The successful candidate will join a vibrant research team with a cooperative and supportive working atmosphere. The full-time position is offered at 100% employment and is initially available for two years.
The role provides a workload that prioritizes research, while also offering opportunities to gain valuable teaching experience. This balance can be particularly useful for postdoctoral researchers developing their academic profile and preparing for future research or faculty positions.
The position also provides opportunities for professional development, including support for developing grant applications. Researchers will work within the stimulating environment of the Cluster of Excellence “The Politics of Inequality.”
About the University of Konstanz
The University of Konstanz is an internationally successful research university in Germany with approximately 10,000 students. Its campus-based structure is designed to encourage interdisciplinary cooperation and interaction among researchers, lecturers, and students.
The university has been continuously funded through the German Excellence Strategy since 2006, highlighting its strong position within Germany’s research landscape.
For postdoctoral researchers, the university’s interdisciplinary environment provides opportunities to work across disciplinary boundaries and engage with researchers studying major social, political, and economic challenges.
Application Requirements
Candidates must submit a complete application consisting of the documents specified in the job advertisement.
The application should include:
- Letter of motivation – maximum one page.
- Brief outline of a potential postdoctoral project – maximum two pages.
- Curriculum vitae, including a publication list.
- Degree certificates.
- Writing sample, such as a journal article or dissertation chapter.
- Names and contact details of two potential referees who may be contacted upon request.
Applicants should ensure that all documents are prepared clearly and combined into a single PDF file, as requested by the university.
Proposed Postdoctoral Research Project
The application requires a short outline of a potential postdoctoral project. This is an important part of the application because it gives candidates an opportunity to demonstrate how their research interests connect with the work of the Sociology – Social Movements group and the Cluster of Excellence.
A strong proposal should clearly identify the research question, explain its academic relevance, describe the proposed methodology, and show how the project could contribute to existing research. Candidates with quantitative and survey expertise should make their methodological strengths clear while demonstrating how the proposed project fits within the broader research environment.
The two-page limit means that applicants should prioritize clarity and focus rather than attempting to provide a lengthy literature review.
Salary and Employment Conditions
The position is classified as salary scale E 13 TV-L, under the German collective agreement for public-sector employees in the federal states.
The role is:
- Full-time
- 100% employment
- Temporary
- Up to 24 months
- Expected to begin in November 2026
The exact salary amount associated with E 13 TV-L can depend on factors such as the applicable pay level and employment circumstances. Applicants should consult the official employment information for the precise contractual conditions.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the online application
Candidates should prepare the required documents as one PDF file and submit the application before the deadline.
Application Checklist
- PhD certificate in Sociology or a related field
- Academic CV
- Publication list
- One-page motivation letter
- Two-page postdoctoral project outline
- Writing sample
- Degree certificates
- Names and contact details of two referees
- Single combined PDF
- Online application submission
Application Deadline
The application deadline is:
September 13, 2026
Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications ahead of the deadline to avoid technical problems with the online application portal. The position is expected to start in November 2026, with an appointment duration of up to 24 months.
Contact
For additional information about the position, interested candidates may contact:
Prof. Dr. Sebastian Koos
University of Konstanz
Email: sebastian.koos@uni-konstanz.de
Equal Opportunity and Diversity
The University of Konstanz states that it is committed to providing an environment based on equal opportunities and diversity while supporting a good balance between university work and family life.
The university also supports working couples through its dual career programme and encourages women to pursue careers in research and teaching.
Persons with disabilities are explicitly encouraged to apply. According to the vacancy information, qualified applicants with disabilities receive preference where applicable. Candidates can contact the university’s representative for persons with disabilities using the contact information provided in the official announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the position?
It is a Postdoc Position in Sociology at the University of Konstanz in Germany.
2. What is the salary?
The position is paid according to salary scale E 13 TV-L.
3. Is the position full-time?
Yes. The vacancy is advertised as a full-time, 100% position.
4. How long is the contract?
The position is temporary and is available for up to 24 months, initially for two years.
5. When does the position start?
The expected starting date is November 2026.
6. What degree is required?
Applicants should hold a PhD in Sociology or a related field.
7. What research experience is required?
The university is looking for candidates with research experience in political sociology, social movement studies, prosocial behaviour, or environmental sociology.
8. Are quantitative methods required?
Yes. Applicants should have advanced knowledge of quantitative methods and survey research.
9. What language skills are required?
Candidates need excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
10. What documents are required?
Applicants must provide a one-page motivation letter, a two-page outline of a potential postdoctoral project, CV with publication list, degree certificates, a writing sample, and contact details for two potential referees.
11. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is September 13, 2026.
12. Who can I contact about the position?
Applicants may contact Prof. Dr. Sebastian Koos at sebastian.koos@uni-konstanz.de for further information.
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