Contingent upon final funding approval, the Department of Criminology at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, is seeking to recruit a

PhD Candidate (f/m/div) Costs of Cybercrime

Your profile

The position requires a sound understanding of economics, data analysis, IT affinity, and a high interest in crime research, especially cybercrime.

The challenge

The position is embedded in an international, interdisciplinary consortium project in which experts from the fields of criminology, economics, psychology, and law collaborate. As part of this application-oriented project, the prevalence of various forms of cybercrime is to be mapped, and the economic and social damages incurred are to be precisely estimated. The position also offers extensive opportunities to liaise with governmental and societal actors in the field of IT security in Germany. The project's findings may lead to improved law enforcement and legislation, and provide new approaches in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals 10 and 16, on how to ensure free access to the benefits of information technology for all without increasing the risk of becoming a victim of crime.
The position is affiliated with the independent research group "Behavioral Economics of Crime and Conflict," led by Dr. Dr. Hannes Rusch, which is one of the three units in the Department of Criminology. Against the backdrop of their expertise in behavioral economics, particularly formal modeling, and experimental and applied microeconomics, the group explores interdisciplinary topics relevant to such issues as exploitation, discrimination, violence and conflict, as well as economic analyses in criminal law and public law. The young and highly committed research team is dedicated to innovative, theory-driven, and transparent research that adheres to Open Science standards.

Your requirements

- A completed (or nearly completed) university degree (Master's or equivalent) in economics, business informatics, or a related discipline;

- Strong IT affinity;

- Excellent English and German skills, both written and spoken, are essential;

- A high level of commitment, resilience, teamwork, and self-organization;

- Initial experience conducting online surveys, especially with expertise in statistical analysis methods, is desirable;

- Sociability and experience in professional interaction with stakeholders are a plus;

- A desire to expand competencies in the areas of statistics and methodology;

- Experience with project work in distributed teams is an advantage;

- Interest in behavioral economics and the study of human decision-making based on theory-driven approaches.

Ideal candidates are committed to Open Science and transparent research practices.

About us

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law (MPI-CSL) is a growing European center for research in criminology, public security matters, and criminal law. The Institute is part of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science – Germany’s flagship research organization.

The Department of Criminology at the MPI-CSL offers a highly interdisciplinary and dynamic research environment in which criminologists, economists, psychologists, sociologists, mathematicians, and computer scientists work together to understand the causes and consequences of criminal behavior and to develop effective interventions for the prevention of crime and the facilitation of offender rehabilitation. The department pushes the boundaries of crime research through the application of innovative methods, developmental theories of crime, and real-world application. It currently hosts three researchers with prestigious individual European Research Council (ERC) grants.

The Institute, with its approximately 190 employees, is located in Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany), a dynamic university city with a 900-year history. The city in the trinational border region (Germany, Switzerland, and France) impresses newcomers with its high quality of life and international flair.

Our offer

Our Institute offers unrivalled research conditions, including access to top-notch laboratory facilities as well as access to exceptional specialist libraries and databases, well-equipped workspaces, and comprehensive administrative and academic support. Collaboration with other researchers and international partners at the Institute is a key element of our work. Additionally, there are many opportunities for researchers to design, convene, or participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences.

The position is available from the earliest possible starting date. The position is limited to three years and is a fully funded research position with no teaching obligations. The position is full-time (currently 39 hours/week). Remuneration and social benefits are based on the German Civil Service Collective Agreement (TVöD Bund), payscale group 13, 65% (see https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/tvoed/bund/). The salary includes all mandatory social insurance contributions for health care, long-term care, unemployment, and retirement. The work location is Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany). We are committed to ensuring a positive work-life balance and offer flexible work options as well as generous opportunities for personal and professional development, including free in-house German language courses. There are also a number of daycare spots at a nearby childcare facility.

Your application and further information

To apply, please submit your application with the following documents:

- A motivation letter (max. two pages), including a clear explanation as to how your interests and profile match the project goals and selection criteria;

- Name and email address of at least one scholar who has agreed to provide a reference for you;

- Your CV, including a list of publications (if any, either as first author or co-author);

- A writing sample, e.g., your Master’s thesis, a seminar paper, a first-authored journal article, etc.;

- Study certificates and transcripts of records.

Please apply via our 'I would like to apply' button on the bottom left of the job ad.

The deadline for applications is 2 November 2025.

Applicants will be informed in the week of 3 November 2025 whether they are invited for an interview. Online interviews with shortlisted candidates are currently planned for November 12-14, 2025.

Please note: The project is currently in the contracting phase with the funder; and the position will become available once the final funding commitment is secured. We anticipate completing the contracting process during October 2025.

Questions may be directed to Dr. Dr. Hannes Rusch (h.rusch@csl.mpg.de) or Dr. Annika Hampel, Recruitment Officer (a.hampel@csl.mpg.de). For information about our institute, please visit our website at: https://csl.mpg.de.