Research Fellow [Postdoctoral] (m/f/d)

About

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity is dedicated to the multidisciplinary study of diversity in historical and modern societies, especially with regard to ethnic, religious, political, and legal processes and dynamics. This work includes basic empirical research, with the goal of advancing theoretical concepts. 

Your tasks

The newly established research group takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying Blackness, racialization, and processes of identity formation and transformation in the context of migration. The group explores questions such as: how are migrants’ identities (trans)formed in the context of migration? How do migrants communicate their own identities and how are migrants communicated about by others? And what can we learn if we look at racialization and migration as interconnected processes? In answering these questions, the group combines qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, ethnographic observations) with computational methods (e.g., computational text analysis). The group is committed to doing non-exploitative research and engaging in participatory research practices. Our main focus is on African migrants in Europe, and in particular in Germany.

The successful research fellow is expected to (1) contribute to the group’s research projects, carrying out research on the multiple dimensions of Blackness and Africanness and the identifications of African migrants in Germany at the group or/and societal level, (2) be open to work with community-based organizations and initiatives (in Germany), and (3) play an active role in the organization of international seminars and the publication of research in key academic venues, as well as for wider audiences. 

Your profile

Applicants should have a strong interest in studying the interconnections between identity, communication, migration and racialization with a focus on the European context. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in sociology, psychology, anthropology, linguistics, data science, or similar. Applicants expecting a PhD must have submitted their thesis by 24th February 2023. 

Very good spoken and written English and some basic knowledge of German are required. Very good spoken and written German are an advantage. The working language at the institute is English and regular presence at the Institute is required.

Your benefits

The contract will be for a full-time position and for a period of two years ending 30 June 2025. 1-year extensions are also possible, contingent upon confirmation of funds. Salary is based on the German collective agreement for civil servants (TVöD Bund), level E 13.

The Max Planck Society is mainly funded by German Federal and State Governments (see www.mpg.de). Max Planck Institutes provide outstanding facilities, academic resources and intellectual environments for the support of independent research. Max Planck Institutes are not tied to universities. There are no teaching obligations for staff, but teaching and other forms of co-operation with universities is possible.
The Max Planck Society wishes to increase the participation of women across the sciences. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome, as are applications from people of diverse gender or sexual orientations. Following its commitment to equal opportunities employment policies, the Max Planck Society especially encourages applications from persons with a disability. Persons of any nationality can apply.

Your application

Applications must be emailed to application_minerva@mmg.mpg.de no later than Sunday 26th February 2023. Applications should be submitted in a single combined PDF file and include:
•    a cover letter describing the applicant’s research interests and their alignment to the group’s goals, and relevant research experience, 
•    a CV without a photo, including list of publications,
•    a short writing sample (no more than 500 words) such as the abstract of a first-author publication or abstract of PhD thesis, and 
•    the names and contact details of two referees who we may contact.
Interviews are planned for early to mid-March mainly in person at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity in Göttingen. Remote interviews may be arranged for candidates residing outside of Germany. 

Informal queries may be directed to Dr. Johanna Lukate (lukate@mmg.mpg.de). For information on the institute, please consult www.mmg.mpg.de.

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