PhD Position in Law and AI at Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, Freiburg (Max Planck AI Network, Prof. Ralf Poscher, Public Law)

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law lists a PhD (f/m/div) in Law and AI on its careers page: as part of the Max Planck AI Network (MP-AIX), there is an opportunity for one PhD position under Professor Ralf Poscher (Public Law) in the area of law and AI. Applications go through the Max Planck online application portal by 31 October 2026.

MP-AIX recruits doctoral researchers once a year through a central process run jointly with the ELLIS network: one application in one portal is considered for MP-AIX, ELLIS or both. The programme follows an "AI+X" concept, applying AI and machine learning to research fields across the sciences. Each PhD candidate is supervised by two advisors, one working close to machine learning and AI and one in the application area, and the programme requires an exchange stay of at least 6 months at the second advisor's institution.

MP-AIX is a meta programme on top of existing graduate programmes and does not award doctoral degrees. Hiring takes place at the main advisor's institution, and new students must also be accepted by the degree-granting university.

The Max Planck AI Network contributes to the funding of a PhD position at the respective Max Planck Institute, and the host institute provides the remaining amount. After an offer is accepted, the student and the two advisors sign a letter of intent setting out the funding, graduation and exchange plans. The source does not state a salary figure.

• Whether a candidate without a Master's degree may apply depends on the participating institution; this is stated in each advisor's profile on the portal.
• Candidates already employed in a prospective advisor's group cannot receive MP-AIX funding, as MP-AIX co-funds new positions.
• Students already doing a PhD with an advisor in the Max Planck Society will not be funded by MP-AIX.

All documents are uploaded as PDF:

• Motivational letter (2 pages): why you want to pursue a PhD within MP-AIX, plus a research statement on past research projects, interests and future research direction. You may name the advisors you are interested in (here, Prof. Ralf Poscher).
• Curriculum Vitae: education, work experience, publications with full citations, research presentations and awards.
• Unofficial transcripts from all university studies (Bachelor's and Master's), with English translations.
• Optional supplementary materials, such as a thesis, a published paper or a portfolio, as a single PDF of up to 20 MB.

Create an account in the joint ELLIS and MP-AIX application portal, choose the MP-AIX call, upload the documents and submit before the deadline. The portal closes on 31 October 2026, 23:59 AoE (firm), which is 5:29 pm IST on 1 November 2026. Reference requests must be sent through the portal before the application deadline; referees may upload references until 2 November 2026.

Where an advisor's portal profile says "Parallel application necessary", candidates should also apply internally through that advisor's institution.

• Review phase: November and December 2026.
• Virtual interviews with potential mentors for shortlisted candidates: January and February 2027.
• Decisions: late February or March 2027.
• There is no common PhD start date; it depends on the advisor and institution.