The Future of Democracy
Claus Wisser Fellowships at Normative Orders
Duration and Starting Date: 10 Months, starting on October 1st, 2026.
The Claus Wisser Fellowship Fund at Normative Orders, established by the late Claus
Wisser and the Pro Universitate Foundation (in cooperation with the Friends of the
University), directed by Prof. Dr. Rainer Forst and Prof. Dr. Nicole Deitelhoff, is seeking to
appoint up to two post-doctoral fellows for the academic year 2026/2027. The general
theme is The Future of Democracy. The Fellows will be part of the Frankfurt academic
community, especially of the Normative Orders Research Network.
Candidates should have completed a doctorate in the humanities or the social sciences
and should have proven potential to conduct and publish top research at an international
level.
Conditions of Award
We offer a grant of 2,400€/month. The grant is tax-free in accordance with the provisions
of paragraph 3 no. 44 EStG (German Income Tax Act).
Additional benefits include a return trip (to a max. of 800€) from the fellows’ hometown
to Frankfurt and a mission allowance of 1,500€/year. Health insurance and
accommodation expenses are not included in the package, although assistance in
purchasing a suitable German health insurance will be provided.
Fellows will have office space at Normative Orders. They will be expected to take an active
part in the Center’s activities and workshops, and to present their ongoing research to the
members of the Center. Fellows are expected to reside in the Frankfurt area for the whole
duration of their stay.
Please send your application in English IN ONE PDF DOCUMENT (a two-page research
project, CV, and a maximum of two letters of reference) to Prof. Dr. Rainer Forst. Please
use this address: sekretariat.forst@soz.uni-frankfurt.de„>sekretariat.forst@soz.uni-frankfurt.de
The reference letters may also be sent directly by the referees.
Closing date is March 15, 2026.
