The University of Konstanz in Germany is inviting applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Position in Sociology, offering an initial appointment of up to 24 months starting in November 2026.
The position, Reference No. 2026/172, is based within the working group “Sociology – Social Movements”, part of the Cluster of Excellence “The Politics of Inequality.” The successful candidate will join a research team examining political protest, civic engagement, solidarity and pro-social behaviour in the context of major social challenges.
Applications must be submitted by 13 September 2026.
About the Postdoctoral Position
The University of Konstanz is a dynamic, internationally oriented research university with approximately 10,000 students. Its campus-based structure is designed to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and interaction among researchers, lecturers and students.
The university has also been continuously funded through Germany’s Excellence Strategy since 2006, providing a strong research environment for scholars seeking to develop internationally competitive academic careers.
The advertised postdoctoral position is located within the Sociology – Social Movements working group led by Professor Sebastian Koos.
The research group investigates the causes and consequences of political protest, civic engagement and solidarity, including helping and altruistic behaviour.
Research is situated within broader social problems such as:
- Inequality
- Climate change
- Threats to democracy
- Political participation
- Civic engagement
- Social movements
- Pro-social behaviour
The group frequently takes an international comparative perspective, making the position particularly relevant to researchers interested in understanding how social and political phenomena vary across societies.
What Will the Postdoctoral Researcher Do?
The successful candidate will become part of a collaborative research environment while developing their own academic research profile.
The position offers a particularly attractive balance between independent research and participation in team-based academic work.
Researchers will have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research within the working group while potentially developing a postdoctoral project connected to their own research interests.
The role also includes teaching experience, allowing the successful candidate to strengthen their academic portfolio beyond research and publications.
Importantly, the university describes the workload as being structured to prioritise research, while still providing valuable teaching opportunities.
Who Can Apply?
The position is designed for researchers who have completed a PhD in Sociology or a related field.
Applicants should demonstrate research experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Political sociology
- Social movement studies
- Pro-social behaviour
- Environmental sociology
Candidates should also possess advanced knowledge of quantitative methods and survey research.
Strong communication skills are essential, with applicants expected to demonstrate excellent written and oral communication in English.
The successful candidate should also be capable of working independently while contributing proactively and effectively to collaborative research projects.
What Does the Position Offer?
The postdoctoral appointment is a 100% full-time position under salary scale E 13 TV-L, initially for two years.
Beyond salary and employment benefits, the position offers an academic environment designed to support researchers at an important stage of their careers.
Successful candidates will benefit from:
- A vibrant and collaborative research team
- A friendly and cooperative working environment
- Research-focused workload
- Opportunities to gain teaching experience
- Professional development opportunities
- Support for developing grant applications
- Participation in the Cluster of Excellence “The Politics of Inequality”
- An internationally oriented research environment
The opportunity to receive support in developing future grant applications can be particularly valuable for postdoctoral researchers seeking to transition toward greater research independence.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
Postdoctoral positions can play a decisive role in an academic career, providing researchers with the opportunity to strengthen their publication record, develop new research collaborations and establish an independent research agenda.
This position offers an additional advantage through its connection to the Cluster of Excellence “The Politics of Inequality.”
Researchers interested in inequality, democracy, climate change, social movements and civic engagement can work within an environment where these issues are examined through rigorous empirical and interdisciplinary research.
The position could therefore be particularly attractive to scholars whose research connects social inequality with political participation, collective action or responses to major societal challenges.
Application Requirements
Applicants must prepare a complete application containing the following:
- 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
The complete application should be compiled into one PDF file and submitted through the university’s online application portal.
Applicants should ensure that their proposed postdoctoral project clearly communicates their research question, theoretical or conceptual approach, methodology and potential contribution to the field.
Equal Opportunity and Inclusion
The University of Konstanz states that it is committed to creating an environment that promotes equal opportunities, diversity and a healthy balance between university and family life.
The university actively seeks to increase the representation of women in research and teaching and supports working couples through its dual-career programme.
Persons with disabilities are explicitly encouraged to apply and will be given preference where candidates are appropriately qualified.
These policies reflect the university’s broader commitment to building an inclusive academic environment.
How to Apply
Interested researchers should prepare their application according to the requirements and submit the complete PDF through the University of Konstanz Online Application Portal.
Candidates who require additional information about the position may contact Professor Sebastian Koos at sebastian.koos@uni-konstanz.de.
Key Details at a Glance
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Postdoctoral Researcher in Sociology |
| Reference | 2026/172 |
| Institution | University of Konstanz |
| Location | Konstanz, Germany |
| Research Area | Sociology – Social Movements |
| Cluster | The Politics of Inequality |
| Contract | Up to 24 months |
| Start Date | November 2026 |
| Workload | 100% full-time |
| Salary | E 13 TV-L |
| Deadline | 13 September 2026 |
Final Takeaway
The University of Konstanz Postdoctoral Position in Sociology 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for a PhD-qualified sociologist or related researcher seeking to advance their academic career in Germany.
With a full-time E 13 TV-L salary, a two-year research appointment, opportunities for teaching and professional development, and access to the research environment of the Politics of Inequality Cluster of Excellence, the position offers a strong platform for scholars working on social movements, inequality, civic engagement, political sociology and related areas.
The application deadline is 13 September 2026.
Researchers who meet the academic and methodological requirements should prepare their application early, particularly the proposed two-page postdoctoral project, and submit the complete application through the official online portal before the deadline.
