PhD Position (f / m / div) Partners in Crime

We are looking for an experimental behavioral scientist with an interest in crime research and virtual reality (VR). You will work with an international and interdisciplinary team of researchers to help develop a new research program on the psychological mechanisms underlying peer offending through virtual reality.

The challenge

The influence of peers is one of the most important drivers of juvenile delinquency. Several decades of research have taught us that having delinquent friends increases the risk of becoming delinquent oneself and that spending time with delinquent peers increases the likelihood of committing crimes of one’s own. These findings hold true across cultures, contexts, and research methods. However, prior research has principally relied on introspective and retrospective research methods, such as surveys, interviews, and panel studies. Exactly how peers influence each other, i.e., what happens at the moment of decision-making, is less well understood.

The Partners in Crime research program aims to address this research gap by leveraging the power of VR to study peer effects in real-time within virtual environments. Research for the program will be conducted in our VR research facility.

The successful candidate will help develop the research program alongside the Director of the Department of Criminology and collaborate with leading researchers on peer influence worldwide.

Specifications

• Maximum 39 hours per week

Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law

Requirements

You have

• A completed (or near completion) university degree (master’s or equivalent) in psychology (e.g., social, developmental), pedagogy, (empirical) criminology, behavioral economics, sociology, or a similar discipline;
• A background in statistics;
• Experience with experimental research;
• A strong interest in crime research and innovative research methods;
• A highly collaborative attitude (teamwork valued);
• Excellent written and spoken English skills;
• Excellent social and communication skills.

Ideal candidates are committed to open science and transparent research practices. Speaking German is an asset but not required.

Conditions of employment

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Our institute offers excellent research conditions, including access to top-notch laboratories, extensive libraries and databases, well-equipped workspaces, and comprehensive support. Collaboration with international researchers and participation in workshops, seminars, and conferences are encouraged.

The position is available from the earliest date, is fully funded, and requires no teaching. It is a full-time role (39 hours/week), with remuneration based on the German Civil Service Collective Agreement (TVöD Bund), pay category 13, 65%. The salary covers social insurance contributions for health, long-term care, unemployment, and retirement. The work location is Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. We promote work-life balance with flexible options, language courses, and nearby childcare facilities.

The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer and supports diversity. Applications from disabled persons are welcome. We particularly encourage women and candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

Employer

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law (MPI-CSL) is a leading European research center in criminology, security, and criminal law, part of the Max Planck Society.

The Department of Criminology offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment with criminologists, psychologists, sociologists, mathematicians, and computer scientists working together to understand and prevent criminal behavior. It hosts several researchers with prestigious ERC grants.

The institute, with around 150 employees, is located in Freiburg, a vibrant university city known for its high quality of life and international atmosphere.