Three doctoral students (75%) for the ifo Center for International Economics

ifo Institut - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung an der Universität München e.V.

Three doctoral students (75%) for the ifo Center for International Economics

To strengthen our team, we are looking for three doctoral students to start in the Fall 2026. The positions are for a doctorate in economics at the chair of the department head Prof. Dr. Lisandra Flach at the LMU and for collaboration on research projects in the field of international economics.

Our team investigates the impact of globalization and trade policy on the activities of firms, their products, and workers in the global economy. We analyze not only classic topics such as the effects of trade agreements and trade barriers but also the role of geoeconomic challenges. Our team aims to address these questions using methods of applied econometrics, big data, and international trade theory. Join us!

We, the ifo Institute, are one of the leading economic research institutes in Europe. We work on issues relevant to economics and economic policy at the highest scientific level and with an international reach, and develop research-based recommendations for action for policymakers, business and society. Through our five fields of activity - research, promotion of young researchers, policy advice, participation in public debates and information/service - we contribute to maintaining and increasing sustainable economic prosperity and social participation under constantly changing conditions.

Want to know more about us and your career opportunities? Come and meet us at https://www.ifo.de/en/about-us/ifo-careers

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Your new job includes…

• Research in the field of international economics and support to develop your own research profile.
• the doctoral program in economics at the ifo Institute under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Lisandra Flach, Chair of the ifo Institute at LMU.
• Participation in the structured doctoral program at the Munich Graduate School of Economics (MGSE) at LMU.
• the opportunity to make your research results available to the public through a variety of channels. The ifo Institute will actively support you in this.

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What we expect from your profile…

• You have completed your Master of Science degree in economics with outstanding results.
• You have solid knowledge of economics, relevant empirical methods in international economics, as well as basic programming experience in Stata, R, Python, or similar.
• You have excellent English language skills, both written and spoken. Knowledge of the German language is an advantage.
• You are a team player and like to take responsibility for yourself and others.
• You enjoy learning through discussions and believe that excellent and impactful research is driven by collaboration and exchange with others.

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Our doctoral students …

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Research

• work on exciting issues in practically all areas of economics.
• are part of one of the best addresses for economics in Germany with the MGSE and the 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 higher remuneration through top publications of their research in specialist journals.

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People

• have the opportunity to use the CESifo research network with more than 2,000 members from all over the world.
• regularly take part in international conferences and can meet researchers from all over the world.

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Support

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

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ifo

• receive a three-year contract (75%; 30.075 hours/week) with the possibility of extension.
• receive a starting salary according to TV-L E 13.
• 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.
• benefit from 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 required.

We support the EU Commission's initiative by developing a special human resources strategy for research staff that takes into account the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. 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.

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How to apply!

Interested? Then please send us your application documents with the reference number 2025-017 AW-Dok until January 6, 2026 using the application form.

Applications should include a cover letter, CV, certificates, and at least two reference letters. Reference letters can be sent directly from the creator to the following email address: Recruiting@ifo.de. The letters will then be added to your application in our system and forwarded to the appropriate people.

Please make sure to use only .pdf files, Word documents and images in .jpg format. Please also ensure to use short file names. Please read the document "Information on attachment naming" and try the browser "Mozilla Firefox" or "Microsoft Edge" in the latest version should you have problems uploading the documents.

For technical or general questions, please contact recruiting@ifo.de. For subject-specific information / questions, please contact Christiane Harms (Harms@ifo.de; 089/9224-1393).