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The Institute of Political Science in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a

Doctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiterin, salary level E 13 TV-L)

for the DFG-founded project “Antidemocratic Strategic Litigation: A Normative Framework” commencing on 1 April 2027. We are offering a fixed-term position (75%) for 3 years. The research project is led by Prof. Dr. Svenja Ahlhaus, Juniorprofessor in Political Theory. The research project is part of the project “SAFEDEM – Which instruments can we use to safeguard democracy?”.

Your tasks:

• This position is tied to working towards a doctorate: Carrying out a doctoral research project in Political Theory in the subject area of “Antidemocratic Strategic Litigation: A Normative Framework
• Collaboration in the research project, including publications, academic events, international networking

Our expectations:

Required:

• A graduate degree (i.e. master’s degree) in political science (or a closely related field, such as philosophy or sociology)
• Demonstrable focus on political theory within the master’s degree

Desirable:

• Interest in contemporary democratic theory (especially contemporary democratic theory on law and politics, public sphere and democratic self-defense)
• First experiences in collaborating in research projects and publications, e.g. gained as a student assistant
• Good command of written and spoken German and English
• Ability to work independently and carefully, strong organisational skills, collegiality and enthusiasm for collaborative research

Advantages for you:

• Support for developing and realizing your own research project
• Work within an internationally oriented research group at the University of Münster.
• Substantial scope to shape a new research project on defending democracy
• Funding for conferences and workshops within the project.
• Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
• Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
• If you have family members or young children in your care, our offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
• As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
• As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (), an and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.

The University of Münster strongly supports . We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

If you have any questions about the advertised position or the research project, please contact Svenja Ahlhaus directly:

Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your full application (cover letter (1-2 pages) CV, transcripts, and a writing sample (e.g. MA thesis)) by 2026-11-13 via our application platform.

Universität Münster
Institute of Political Science
Prof. Dr. Svenja Ahlhaus
Reference number: 2026_10_11
Scharnhorststraße 100
48151 Münster

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Reference number: 2026_10_11