Postdoctoral Researcher/Lecturer in International Politics and Global Inequality at the University of Konstanz, Germany (2026)
This fully funded academic position offers an excellent opportunity for early-career scholars in political science and related disciplines to combine independent research with university teaching in an internationally recognized research environment.
Applications are open until 1 July 2026.
About the University of Konstanz
The University of Konstanz is one of Germany’s leading research universities and has been continuously funded under Germany’s prestigious Excellence Strategy since 2006.
Located on a modern campus near Lake Constance, the university hosts approximately 10,000 students and promotes:
Interdisciplinary research
International collaboration
Academic excellence
Innovation in teaching and learning
The university is widely recognized for its strong research culture and supportive academic environment.
About the Cluster of Excellence: The Politics of Inequality
Since 2019, the Cluster of Excellence “The Politics of Inequality” has brought together researchers from:
Political Science
Economics
Sociology
Public Policy
Related Social Sciences
The cluster investigates:
Political causes of inequality
Political consequences of inequality
Global governance
International cooperation
Social and economic disparities
Public policy responses
The successful candidate will become part of this vibrant interdisciplinary research network while working closely with the International Politics – Global Inequality research group.
Position Overview
The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to develop an independent research agenda while contributing to teaching and supervision activities.
The role combines:
Academic research
University teaching
Student supervision
Participation in an internationally recognized research cluster
This is an excellent opportunity for researchers aiming to strengthen their publication record, expand their teaching portfolio, and develop an independent academic profile.
Research Opportunities
A key advantage of this position is the freedom to pursue independent research projects.
Research topics may include:
International Politics
Global Inequality
International Cooperation
Climate Politics
Global Governance
International Political Economy
Development and Inequality
International Institutions
Comparative Political Analysis
Projects aligned with the broader research priorities of the Chair and Cluster of Excellence are particularly encouraged.
Teaching Responsibilities
The successful candidate will teach:
Bachelor's Level Courses
Undergraduate courses in international politics and related areas.
Master's Level Courses
Advanced courses in international relations, global governance, and political science.
Teaching responsibilities include:
4 Semester Weekly Hours (SWS)
Course development
Student mentoring
Academic assessment
Student Supervision
The position also includes supervision of:
Bachelor’s theses
Master’s theses
The successful candidate will support students in developing research projects and academic skills.
Administrative Responsibilities
The postdoctoral researcher will provide limited administrative support to the:
International Politics – Global Inequality Working Group
Responsibilities may include:
Academic coordination
Research support
Event participation
Departmental activities
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should possess:
Essential Qualifications
PhD in:
Political Science
International Relations
Public Policy
Sociology
Or a related discipline
Academic Profile
Candidates should demonstrate:
Excellent doctoral research
Strong knowledge of international politics
Experience in university teaching
Independent research agenda
Academic publication potential
Additional Advantages
The following are considered beneficial:
Quantitative research skills
Statistical analysis experience
Advanced methodological expertise
Strong written and spoken English skills are required.
Contract Details
Position Type
Postdoctoral Researcher / Lecturer
Contract Duration
4 years
From 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2030
Workload
Full-time
Possibility of division into two part-time positions
Salary
TV-L E13 (German Public Service Salary Scale)
Salary level depends on qualifications and experience
German E13 positions are among the most competitive academic salary scales for postdoctoral researchers in Europe.
Benefits and Working Environment
The University of Konstanz offers:
Academic Benefits
International research environment
Interdisciplinary collaborations
Research support
Career counseling
Professional development programs
Personal Benefits
Family-friendly workplace
Diversity-conscious work culture
University sports facilities
Hansefit membership
Corporate benefits program
Financial Benefits
Company pension scheme (VBL)
Subsidized Germany Ticket (Deutschlandticket)
Free local and regional public transportation throughout Germany
The university also supports dual-career couples through dedicated programs.
Why This Position Is Attractive
This position is particularly appealing because it combines:
Independent research freedom
Prestigious Excellence Cluster affiliation
International politics expertise
Teaching experience
Long-term funding (4 years)
Strong interdisciplinary collaboration
Researchers interested in inequality, global governance, international relations, and political economy will find this opportunity highly valuable.
Application Documents
Applicants should submit the usual academic application documents, including:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Cover Letter
Academic Certificates
Research Profile
Publication List
Teaching Experience Documentation
Applications must be submitted through the University of Konstanz Online Application Portal.
Applications sent via email will not be considered.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline : 1 July 2026
- Preferred Start Date: 1 October 2026
- Contract End Date: 30 September 2030
Official Application Link
Contact Information
For academic inquiries, candidates may contact:
Email: gabriele.spilker@uni-konstanz.de
Final Thoughts
The Postdoctoral Researcher/Lecturer position at the University of Konstanz offers an outstanding opportunity for scholars interested in international politics and global inequality.
With four years of funding, strong research independence, teaching opportunities, and access to one of Germany’s most prestigious Excellence Clusters, this position provides an ideal platform for building a successful academic career in political science and international relations.
Researchers working on inequality, global governance, international cooperation, and political economy should strongly consider applying.
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