These doctoral positions are granted in the context of the interdisciplinary programme of the new ‘Max Planck Research School on Retaliation, Mediation, Punishment (IMPRS-REMEP)’. The research program aims to attract researchers educated in social anthropology (in particular, legal anthropology and conflict studies).

The doctoral students will carry out their studies mainly in Halle/Saale. They will participate in the training programme offered by the IMPRS-REMEP and can make use of the facilities and infrastructure of the Max Planck Institute for Foreign and International Criminal Law. The interdisciplinary curriculum further requires participation in several joint seminars to be conducted together with the doctoral students who are affiliated with the IMPRS-REMEP partner institutes in Freiburg i.Br., Heidelberg and Frankfurt/Main. During these seminars, all students shall achieve cross-disciplinary knowledge in order to develop a common understanding of the overall research agenda and to be able to mutually understand and discuss their doctoral theses from the perspectives of all relevant disciplines. Working language of the training programme and the dissertation is English. According to local university regulations, German language skills may be required in exceptional cases. The scientific supervision of the doctoral students will be carried out by the Max Planck Institute and the University of Freiburg. Cross-disciplinary dissertation projects may be co-supervised by a member of the academic staff from a partner institute.

Application requirements

1. Completion of a university degree in social anthropology at a German university or completion at an equivalent university abroad.
2. Alternatively to (1), completion of regular university studies in a social sciences’ discipline as major subject, a second major subject, or two additional minor subjects, with an overall duration of at least 4 years at a German university, or completion of an equivalent programme at an equivalent university abroad. Master degree or equivalent degree from abroad. In exceptional cases with a background in sociology of law and interest in social anthropology empirical research, completion of a law degree at a German university or completion at an equivalent university abroad. First or Second German State Law Exam with a minimum overall grade of “vollbefriedigend” (according to the examination regulations “JAPrO” of the State of Baden-Württemberg), or an equivalent degree with an equiva¬lent grade (“with distinction”) from abroad.
3. Submission of a substantive proposal for a dissertation topic linked to the research agenda of the IMPRS-REMEP.
4. Solid proficiency in the English language. In addition, students should have at least some basic knowledge of German language and demonstrate willingness to improve it.

Scholarship Application Deadline: January 31th, 2011
Further scholarship Information and Application