Two PhD students (f/m/d) (75%)

Two PhD students (f/m/d) (75%) 

for the ifo Center for the Economics of Education 

To strengthen our team, we are looking for two doctoral students to start October 1, 2025, or earlier. The positions are for a doctorate in economics at the chair of the department head Prof. Dr. Ludger Wößmann at the LMU and his deputy, Dr. Henning Hermes, as well as for collaboration on research projects in the field of the economics of education with a special focus on field experimental research. 

Our team investigates the causes and effects of education from an economic perspective. How can the state enable people to benefit from the opportunities of an open society? Our team would like to answer this question with the help of economic analyses of the effects of education on prosperity and equal opportunities. Help us and join our team! 

As one of Europe’s leading economic research institutes, the ifo Institute tackles economically and politically significant issues at the highest scientific level. Our work spans internationally, shaping research-based policy recommendations for politics, business, and society. Our five core activities – research, nurturing young talent, policy advice, participation in public debate, and provision of information and service – are dedicated to sustaining and enhancing economic prosperity and social participation in an ever-evolving global landscape.

Do you want to know more about us and your career opportunities? Meet us at https://www.ifo.de/en/about-us/ifo-career.

In your new role you can look forward to...

• Research in the field of the economics of education, labor economics and behavioral economics, to advance your own research and develop your own research profile.
• Active participation in a large research project about the scaling of intervention studies, with a focus on mentoring for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• the doctoral program in economics at the ifo Institute under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ludger Wößmann, LMU, and Dr. Henning Hermes.
• Participation in the structured doctoral program at the Munich Graduate School of Economics (MGSE) at LMU.
• Make your research results available to the public through a variety of channels. The ifo Institute will actively support you in this.

We are looking for candidates who...

• have a very good Master’s degree in economics with a focus on the economics of education, labor economics, behavioral economics or a related field, and have completed your Master’s degree at job start.
• contribute in-depth knowledge of applied microeconomics, experimental economics, labor economics and the economics of education.
• You have prior experience in conducting RCTs and field experimental research? This would be a particular asset!
• With excellent English language skills, both written and spoken, you are able to interact confidently in the international network of researchers.
• Knowledge of the German language is an advantage.
• are a team player and like to take responsibility for yourself and others.
• enjoy learning from and through discussions and are convinced that excellent and effective research is created in dialogue with others.

Our doctoral students…

Research

• work on exciting questions in practically all areas of economics.
• are part of one of the most prestigious economics programs in Germany with MGSE and LMU Munich.
• receive top placements as graduates of the MGSE.
• have the opportunity to receive various ifo awards with prize money for their research.
• can achieve a higher salary through top publications of their research in specialist journals.

People

• have the opportunity to use the CESifo research network with more than 1,760 members from all over the world.
• regularly take part in international conferences and can meet researchers from all over the world.

Support

• have various other opportunities to enhance their research and broaden their horizons.

ifo

• receive a three-year contract (75%; approx. 30 hours/week) with the possibility of extension.
• receive a starting salary according to TV-L E 13 (€ ca. 43.200,00 € gross/year incl. annual bonus; approx. from November 2024).
• are supported in their professional and personal development with flexible working hours, the possibility of mobile working and many further training opportunities and are provided with the best possible, modern and comprehensive equipment.
• take advantage of our company "holidays" during the year (half a day on Shrove Tuesday and a full day on December 24 and 31).
• are entitled to a relocation allowance after passing their probationary period if they move to Munich or the surrounding area from a radius of 200 km or more.
• are supported with evening German courses if desired.

In 2019, we were awarded the “HR Excellence in Research” prize by the European Commission. Our membership of the Bavarian Family Pact strengthens our measures to reconcile family and career. We promote professional equality regardless of ethnic origin, gender, religion or ideology, disability, age or sexual identity. We strive to increase the proportion of women in research and therefore expressly encourage women to apply.

Your application

Interested? Then please send us your application documents with the reference number 2025-002 BI-Dok  by April 20, 2025 using the form below. 

Your application should include a letter of motivation, CV, certificates and at least two letters of reference. Reference letters can be sent directly from the creator to the following e-mail address: Recruiting@ifo.de. The letters will then be added to your application in our system and forwarded to the appropriate persons.

Please ensure that you only use .pdf files, Word documents and images in .jpg format. Please also ensure that you use short file names. File names that are too long can lead to errors when sending the application. Please read the document “Information on naming attachments” carefully so that your application can be sent to us without errors. Please use “Mozilla Firefox” or “Microsoft Edge” as your browser. In case of problems, please check whether you are using the latest browser version.

If you have any questions, please contact recruiting@ifo.de. For subject-specific information / questions, please contact Dr. Henning Hermes (hermes@ifo.de; +49(0)911/477904-8).

ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich

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Deadline: 2025-04-20
Location: Germany, München
Categories: Behavioral Economics, Economics of Education, Economics, Labor Economics, PhD,

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