About the Position
The Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory in Frankfurt/Main invites applications for three Doctoral Student positions within the newly established Centre for Legal History in India (CLHI), led by Dr Reeju Ray. Working under the guidance of Professor Stefan Vogenauer, this fully funded doctoral programme focuses on the broad field of Legal History in India, spanning colonial and precolonial doctrines, law and society, constitutional history, diplomatic and international legal history. The Institute offers an exceptional international research environment, world-leading library resources, interdisciplinary approaches, and strong academic support. Based on Campus Westend in Frankfurt, students will have access to global networks, generous research funding, and opportunities for career development while contributing to cutting-edge legal historical scholarship.
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Position/Job Details
- Position: Doctoral Student
- Institution: Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory
- Department: European and Comparative Legal History
- Research Field: Legal History in India
- Location: Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- Number of Posts: 3
- Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (3 years, renewable for 1 additional year)
- Start Date (Anticipated): April 2026
- Working Hours: 39 hours per week
- Salary Range: €3,098.95 per month (gross) plus annual special payment
- Required Degree/Diploma: Masters
Research Area
- Legal History in India
- Colonial and Precolonial Legal Doctrines
- Law and Society
- Constitutional History
- Diplomatic and International Legal History
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- First-class or high upper second-class degree in law, history, or related humanities and social sciences
- Full proficiency in English
- Willingness to learn German if required
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated research potential through academic records
- Ability to work independently and adopt interdisciplinary and comparative methods
- Strong interest in South Asian legal history
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and conduct an independent doctoral research project within Legal History in India
- Publish research outcomes in academic platforms
- Participate actively in departmental and institutional research activities
- Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration
- Optional teaching involvement
Application Process
How to Apply
Submit a single PDF file containing all required documents via the online application form on the Institute’s website.
Required Documents
- Cover letter explaining research proposal and relevance to CLHI
- Names and contact details of two referees
- Detailed CV
- List of publications
- Research proposal (up to five pages)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Writing sample (approx. 20 pages)
Referees must send their recommendations directly to jobs@lhlt.mpg.de by the deadline.
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Already open
- Deadline: 6 January 2026
- Interview Date: 3 February 2026 (online)
Useful Links
- Institution Website: Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory
- Official Notification Link: click here
- Apply Now: click here
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