Doctoral Position in PPE

Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Faculty of Arts and Humanities

One Doctoral Position in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

TV-L E 13. Start date: October 1, 2026. Posted: June 3, 2026

1. About the University

Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) is one of Germany’s research-intensive public universities with a strong commitment to rigorous scholarship. It is home to close to 30,000 students and over 3,700 academic and administrative staff across five faculties. The University’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities has developed a distinctive profile in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of the humanities and social sciences. HHU is located on a compact, integrated campus in Düsseldorf, one of Germany’s most cosmopolitan cities, with a vibrant political, economic, and cultural life and excellent transport links to the rest of Europe.

2. About the Position

The Alexander von Humboldt Professorship (AvH Professorship), in conjunction with the newly created W3-Chair of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), housed in the Department of Philosophy at HHU, invites applications for two Assistant Professor positions in PPE.

With the establishment of the AvH Professorship, the W3-Chair, and a university-level research institute in PPE currently in development, HHU is building on its existing strengths to create an internationally visible and collaborative research and teaching environment in PPE at the bachelor’s, master’s, and (post-)doctoral levels, with English as the working language. This is a unique opportunity to join a flourishing PPE environment and make an impact on PPE research and teaching.

Successful candidates will contribute to the distinct research profile of the AvH Professorship and Chair, HHU’s thriving bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in PPE and P&E, and the university-wide research institute in PPE to be established. They will also actively contribute to the intellectual life and activities of PPE at HHU, the Department of Philosophy, other associated departments, and HHU more broadly.

3. Alexander von Humboldt Professorship and Chair

The AvH Professorship and Chair of PPE at HHU conduct foundational research in central areas of PPE, including the history of moral, political, and economic thought, social contract theory, social scientific methods, rational choice theory, political economy, distributive justice, democratic theory, institutional design, and foundational questions of public policy, all from an interdisciplinary and integrative perspective.

A central research project of the AvH Professorship is to develop a normatively sound and institutionally viable social contract theory for pluralistic societies. This research project aims to articulate principles and institutions that citizens may endorse as a minimal convergence point despite deep conflict over moral, economic, and political ideals. For more information about the professorship’s research, please visit this link.

The AvH Professorship is awarded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and financially supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space. It is often considered to be Germany’s most highly endowed international research prize.

4. Available Position

Doctoral Position

Position type: Fixed term (up to 3 years, contingent on performance)

Salary: TV-L E 13 (65%)

Start date: October 1, 2026 (negotiable)

4.1 Responsibilities

• Complete a Ph.D. in Philosophy with an interdisciplinary orientation in PPE.

• Contribute actively to the current research project of the AvH Professorship as outlined above, including through joint publications with the Chair holder and members of the research group.

• Participate in conferences and professional research events as commensurate with career stage.

• Contribute to teaching offerings in the candidate’s field of the Ph.D. with an expected teaching load of 1 course (2 SWS) per academic year.

• The position requires regular and sustained in-person presence at HHU in Düsseldorf.

4.2 Qualifications

Required

• An excellent master’s degree in Philosophy, PPE, or closely related field.
• Excellent English language skills (written and spoken).

Preferred

• Experience in publishing academic work.
• Prior experience as undergraduate teaching assistant.
• International academic experience.
• Knowledge of German is welcome but not required.

5. Application Materials

Applications for this position should include the following documents, compiled into a single PDF file:

• A cover letter specifying (i) the position for which the candidate is applying (Doctoral Position), (ii) the candidate’s academic profile, and (iii) the candidate’s motivation for applying.
• A curriculum vitae with a complete list of publications and/or finished manuscripts and the names and contact details of two referees (for the doctoral position, one referee contact is sufficient). References may be requested at a later stage.
• A research statement (two pages) that explicitly describes the candidate’s potential contributions to the AvH Professorship’s research project as detailed above.
• A writing sample (length of a journal article).
• Copies of degree certificates.

After the initial screening, shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview and potentially for a campus visit.

6. Application Deadline and Submission

The soft deadline for full consideration is July 3, 2026. Applications received after this date may be considered until the positions are filled.

Please submit your application, with the subject line “PPE-HHU: Application” (please copy and paste), as a single PDF file by email to: [email protected].

For questions about the positions, please contact Prof. Dr. Michael Moehler.

Equal Opportunity: Heinrich Heine University upholds the principle of “Excellence through Diversity”. It has signed the “Diversity Charter” and successfully participated in the Stifterverband’s audit “Shaping Diversity”. It is certified as a family-friendly university and has set itself the goal of promoting diversity among its staff. Applications from people of all genders are expressly welcome. Applications from women will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act. The application of severely disabled persons and persons with equivalent disabilities is also welcome. In order for a severe disability or equality to be taken into account, please provide evidence of this with suitable documents.