The Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods in Bonn is an international research institute with two departments and several research groups.

The Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods is one of more than 80 institutions of the Max Planck Society. It is an internationally oriented research institute dealing with applied economics and behavioral analysis of law.

The Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods is opening the position of

Head of a Max Planck Research Group (f/m/div) in the field of economics (W2-position)

(duration: 5 years)

The MPI for Research on Collective Goods has currently three departments, “Experimental Economics” (Director Matthias Sutter), “Behavioral Law and Economics” (Director Christoph Engel), and “Economic Design and Behavior” (Director Axel Ockenfels from 1 August 2023 onwards). The Max Planck Research Group shall complement these three departments. While the call is open for all fields in economics, we expect an overlap with the existing departments, in particular with those of directors Ockenfels and Sutter.

This call is for applications as leader of the new research group. The position is limited to 5 years. The successful candidate will be able to hire a post-doc and a PhD-student for the entire duration of the research group. There will be generous funding for research and infrastructure, and full access to the facilities of the MPI (like the experimental laboratory, the library or IT services).

We are particularly interested in applicants with excellent knowledge in experimental methodology (in the lab or the field) or specific expertise in analyzing experimental/empirical data or in developing new methods to analyze such data.

Applicants are likely a few years into their post-doc phase and should have an outstanding track record in economics with the potential to publish in the leading journals of our profession or alternatively the leading general science journals. Since the research group includes a post-doc and pre-doc position, the successful candidate should also be able to guide and motivate young scholars to develop a successful career themselves. Given that the MPI has a lively seminar series in experimental and behavioral economics, it would be desirable if the successful candidate and the research group also contribute to this lively exchange in the form of seminar or workshops.

The Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women with the requisite qualifications and interests are particularly welcome. We strive for gender and diversity equality and welcome applications from all backgrounds. The Max Planck Society is also seeking to increase the number of employees with severe disabilities. Applications from such candidates will be given special consideration.

Further information about our team and the institute can be found at https://www.coll.mpg.de

Please submit your application until 30 June 2023 exclusively via our application portal, including the following:

Cover letter, explaining your research experience/interests and your relevant work experience, along with a proposed research programme and a description how your group fits into the economic departments at the MPI
Your CV including a list of publications
Copies of degree certificates (Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD diplomas and transcripts) ODER your PhD thesis / dissertation
Description of the project you plan for the research group (max. 3 pages)
Names and contact information (including e-mail and phone) for 2-3 referees
Transcripts of your academic achievements at university and, if applicable, work certificates

Hearings for the position are provisionally scheduled for August 3-4. In case you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via email (personal@coll.mpg.de).