Summary
The Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law in Hamburg, Germany, invites global legal scholars to apply for short-term research fellowships during the 2027 calendar year. Financed directly by the Max Planck Society, the program provides monthly stipend support, private workspaces, and full access to one of the world’s leading specialized legal libraries for stays lasting between 1 to 3 months.
Designation
- Doctoral (PhD) Candidates
- Postdoctoral Researchers
- Assistant / Full Professors
- Junior Research Group Leaders
- Senior Academic Managers & Legal Directors
Program Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Host Institution | Max Planck Institute for Comparative & International Private Law |
| Funding Body | Max Planck Society |
| Host Location | Hamburg, Germany |
| Program Type | Short-Term Research Fellowship |
| Duration | 1 to 3 Months (during 2027) |
| Eligible Nationalities | All Nationalities (Primary residence must be outside Germany) |
| Financial Coverage | Monthly Research Grant + Library Access + Visa Support |
| Application Mode | Online Application Portal |
| Application Deadline | August 15, 2026 |
Research Area
Proposed research projects must align with the core disciplines of the Institute:
- Comparative Private Law: Methodological and topical comparative civil law studies.
- International Private Law (Conflict of Laws): Choice of law, global private law harmonization, and cross-border litigation.
- Foreign & Regional Private Law: Comparative analysis of national civil codes, commercial law frameworks, and regional laws across regions.
- Civil & Commercial Law: Contract law, tort law, property law, corporate governance, consumer protection, and digital economy regulations.
- Comparative Legal History & Methodology: Historical evolution of private law doctrines and institutions.
Location
- City & Country: Hamburg, Germany
- Facility: Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law
Eligibility / Qualification
- Residency: Must hold primary legal residence outside Germany at the time of application and selection.
- Academic Level: Open to doctoral students, postdocs, professors, and senior researchers. Independent postdocs should typically have earned their PhD within the last 12 years.
- Project Maturity: Research proposals must be at an advanced, well-developed stage (not preliminary concepts) that specifically require access to the Institute’s specialized library in Hamburg.
- Language Proficiency: Sufficient working knowledge of English, German, or French to conduct research independently and engage in scholarly discussions.
Job Description & Benefits
- Independent Research: Conduct dedicated research on an advanced legal topic for 1 to 3 months during 2027.
- Financial Stipend: Receive a monthly grant funded by the Max Planck Society to cover living and stay expenses in Hamburg (stipend varies by career stage).
- Resource Access: Full access to the specialized legal library archives and a private research workspace.
- Academic Engagement: Participate in Institute seminars, high-level lectures, workshops, and collaborative exchanges with international jurists.
- Logistical Assistance: Official hosting agreements (Aufnahmevereinbarung) provided to facilitate entry visa applications for Germany.
How to Apply
- Prepare Mandatory Documents (PDF format):
- Statement of Purpose: Signed cover letter summarizing academic background, research goals, and desired dates of stay (Max. 1 page).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Academic resume detailing positions and achievements (Max. 2 pages).
- Research Proposal: Detailed outline of research, methodology, work plan, and library justification (Max. 2 pages).
- Publication List: Peer-reviewed publications, books, or working papers.
- Proof of Qualification: PhD certificate or current doctoral enrollment proof.
- Recommendation Letters: 2 confidential reference letters (Mandatory for PhD candidates and recent postdocs).
- Submit Online: Complete the online form on the official portal of the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law and upload your supporting documents.
Last Date for Apply
- August 15, 2026 (This is the sole application round covering the entire 2027 calendar year)
