Postdoctoral Researcher, Behavioral Economics

The Department of Criminology at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law in Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany) is seeking applications for the position of a postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) in Behavioral Economics.

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law (MPI-CSL) is a growing European center for research in criminology, public security matters, and criminal law. The Institute is part of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science – Germany’s flagship research organization.

The Department of Criminology at the MPI-CSL offers a highly interdisciplinary and dynamic research environment in which economists, psychologists, criminologists, sociologists, mathematicians, and computer scientists work together to understand the causes and consequences of criminal behavior and to develop effective interventions for the prevention of crime and the facilitation of offender rehabilitation. The department pushes the boundaries of crime research through the application of innovative methods, developmental theories of crime, and real-world application. It currently hosts three researchers with prestigious individual European Research Council (ERC) grants.

The Institute, with its approximately 150 employees, is located in Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany), a dynamic university city with a 900-year history. The city in the trinational border region (Germany, Switzerland, and France) impresses newcomers with its high quality of life and international flair.

The position is embedded in the research project “MANUNKIND: Determinants and Dynamics of Collaborative Exploitation” headed by Dr. Dr. Hannes Rusch and supported by the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant). The project aims to develop a versatile game theoretic framework and corresponding new paradigms for behavioral experiments to advance the multidisciplinary study of exploitative behavior. The research in this project can help to inform policy-makers aiming to end modern-day slavery and other contemporary forms of exploitation – in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 8.

The postdoctoral researcher will be part of the Independent Research Group “Behavioral Economics of Crime and Conflict” led by Dr. Dr. Hannes Rusch. The group leverages its expertise in behavioral economic methodologies, especially formal modelling, experimental economics, and applied microeconomics, to study topics of interdisciplinary relevance, for example: discrimination, exploitation, violence, conflict, and the economic analysis of criminal and public law. This young and highly dedicated research team strives to conduct cutting-edge, theory-driven, and transparent research in compliance with the standards of Open Science.

Core requirements

•  you have completed (or are very close to completing) your PhD in economics, psychology, biology, or a related behavioral science
• you are experienced in designing and implementing behavioral experiments and in the respective methods of statistical analysis, all according to Open Science standards;
• you are familiar with game theory and/or microeconomic modelling.

Desirable qualities

• you are an experienced user of R and/or Python;
• you have extensive experience with at least one of the following methods:
• applied microeconomics/archive data analysis,
• geospatial analyses, e.g., using satellite image data,
• volutionary game theory and/or agent-based simulation modelling;
• you have a strong interest in behavioral economics and studying human decision-making using theory-based approaches;
• you are eager to further develop your statistical and methodological skills;
• you have excellent written and spoken English language skills;
• you are a team player;
• you are committed to Open Science and transparent research practices.

Speaking German is an asset but not a prerequisite for the position.

Our Offer

Our Institute offers unrivalled research conditions: access to top-notch laboratory facilities as well as access to specialized libraries and literature databases, excellent workplaces, and sound administrative and academic support. Collaboration with other researchers and international partners at the Institute is a key element of our work. Additionally, there are many opportunities for our researchers to design, convene, or participate in hackathons, workshops, seminars, and conferences. The postdoc position is available from May 1, 2025. Based on mutual agreement, a somewhat earlier or later start date is also possible. The position is limited to two years and is a fully funded research position with no teaching obligations. The position is full-time (currently 39 hours/week). Remuneration and social benefits are based on the German Civil Service Collective Agreement (TVöD Bund), pay category 13, 100%. The salary includes all mandatory social insurance contributions for health care, long-term care, unemployment, and retirement. The work location is Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany). We are committed to ensuring a positive work-life balance and offer flexible work options as well as generous opportunities for personal and professional development, including free in-house German language courses. There are also a number of daycare spots at a nearby childcare facility.

The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer and supports diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from disabled persons. We also aim to increase the percentage of female staff in fields in which they are underrepresented and therefore expressly encourage women to apply. Applications are particularly welcome from persons with backgrounds that have so far been underrepresented in science and research with regard to gender, age, professional and cultural background, family situation, sexual orientation, and nationality.

To apply, please submit your application with the following documents:

1. a motivation letter (max. two pages!), including an explanation as to how your interests and profile match the project goals and selection criteria;
2. names and email addresses of at least two scholars who have agreed to provide references for you and can provide them within two working days upon request;
3. your CV, including a complete list of your publications;
4. a writing sample, e.g., your job market paper or a first-authored journal article, etc.;
5. study certificates and transcripts of records.

Please submit your application via our online application portal.

Please apply via our 'I would like to apply' button on the bottom left of the job ad.

The deadline for applications is March 9, 2025. (This deadline is strict.)

Interviews (via Zoom) with shortlisted candidates are currently planned for March 17-19, 2025.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Dr. Hannes Rusch or Dr. Annika Hampel, Recruitment Officer.