The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) is seeking to appoint several full-time post-doctoral researchers to join the EduTrack project consortium.

EduTrack: Tracking Education Pathways and Social Policies is a 6-year interdisciplinary project between the MPIDR, the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, the Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science, and coordinated by Population Europe. The project aims to generate scientific evidence, to disseminate expertise, and to promote policy dialogue on how education and knowledge transfer in different settings and over different life courses contribute to individual and societal well-being and resilience. Within the project, the MPIDR leads the research area on the bi-directional relationships between sociodemographic circumstances and educational trajectories. The geographic scope of the project is not tied to any specific region.

We welcome applications on any topic at the intersection of demography and education, and encourage everyone with a fitting and ambitious research agenda to apply. The project will fund four full-time dedicated postdocs, and is embedded in a broader working group that cuts across research groups and departments at the MPIDR. A willingness to collaborate across disciplines is essential. Strong quantitative skills are required, as is knowledge of R, Stata, Python, or other relevant programming language.

We would be particularly interested in researchers working on topics that include (but are not limited to):

- The intersection of education, political polarization, and demographic change
- The mechanisms through which education and demographic outcomes (including migration, health and mortality, and fertility and family formation) affect each other
- High-skilled migration and regional and global skill imbalances
- Patterns of immigrant integration and intergenerational transmission of inequality
- Human capital formation, productivity, and long-term socio-economic sustainability

We provide a stimulating research-oriented community, excellent infrastructure, and opportunities to work with exciting datasets. The successful applicant will be offered a contract for up to 4 years with remuneration commensurate to experience (starting from approx. 67,500 EUR gross per year for researchers who have just completed their PhD, up to approx. 77,600 EUR gross per year for more senior scientists), based on the salary structure of the German public sector (Öffentlicher Dienst, TVöD Bund; EG14/1-3). The position is open to applicants from anywhere in the world, however, it is expected that successful candidates will relocate to Rostock or its close vicinity for the duration of the contract. Support for relocation costs is available.

Please apply online via this survey at survey.demogr.mpg.de/index.php/314189?lang=en and include in a single PDF file:

1) Cover Letter (maximum 1 page)
2) Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages)
3) Research Statement (maximum 2 pages)
Summarize your research accomplishments, ongoing work, and future research plans. Please also describe the technical skills and expertise that you would bring to EduTrack collaborative projects.
4) Names and contact information for two academic referees
5) One writing sample or publication

In order to receive full consideration, please apply by 15th of August 2026. Interviews will be held online and are planned for early September 2026.

The exact starting date is flexible, but no earlier than beginning of 2027. Applicants should have either completed their doctoral degree already or expect to complete their degree in early 2027.

For inquiries about the position, please contact Alyson van Raalte at vanraalte(at)demogr.mpg.de.

The MPIDR is one of the leading demographic research centers in the world. It is part of the Max Planck Society, a network of 84 institutes that form Germany’s premier basic-research organization. Max Planck Institutes have an established record of world-class, foundational research in the sciences, technology, social sciences and the humanities. They offer a unique environment that combines the best aspects of an academic setting and a research laboratory.

Our labs are committed to transparent and reproducible research. We welcome applicants who have embraced open science practices in their work and/or are enthusiastic about developing open science practices.

The MPIDR is an equal opportunities employer. Respect and inclusivity are central to our work culture, where diversity in gender, background, beliefs, abilities, and identities is embraced and valued. We are committed to shaping a culture that encourages continuous development of each person’s skills and potential.

The Max Planck Society offers a broad range of measures to support the reconciliation of work and family. These are complemented by the MPIDR’s own initiatives. For more information, see: demogr.mpg.de/go/work-family.

In addition, there are a range of central initiatives and measures primarily geared towards helping young female researchers and mothers to advance their career. See the link below for some examples: demogr.mpg.de/go/career-development.

We value diversity and are keen to employ individuals from minorities and under-represented groups.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.