Academic Research Assistant Position (PhD Candidate) (f/m/d)

Your Tasks

The position offers the opportunity to pursue doctoral research within an internationally connected and interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of economics, public policy, technological change, and global governance.

Your Responsibilities

• Contribute to ongoing teaching (Bachelor/Master) and research activities - of the Chair
• Develop an independent research agenda with the objective of completing a doctoral dissertation
• Support the Chair’s research-related IT and data infrastructure, including the organization, processing, and management of research data and databases
• Provide technical support for research projects, including data preparation, database-related tasks, and the use of research software and computing environments. Support the preparation and implementation of Bachelor’s and Master’s courses in German and English
• Assist in the acquisition and management of research projects and third-party funding
• Participate in academic events, workshops, conferences, and research seminars
• Contribute to selected organizational and administrative activities of the Chair

Your Profile

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (or be close to completion) in Economics, Industrial Engineering, Business Economics, Business Mathematics, Business Informatics or a related discipline.

We particularly welcome candidates with an interest in one or more of the following areas:

• Innovation, technological change and global welfare
• Artificial intelligence and digital transformation
• Global governance and international institutions
• Sustainability and resilience
• Global political economy
• Computational social science

The Successful Candidate Should Have

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with an interest in applying them to academic research.
• Experience with at least some of the following tools: R, Python, LaTeX, Mathematica, or related software.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Good German language skills (B2 or higher) or willingness to acquire them.
• Keen interest in artificial intelligence tools and techniques and/or data-driven approaches to digital media.

Applications Should Include (in One File)

• Letter of motivation
• Academic CV
• Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts of records
• Writing sample (maximum two pages)

We Offer

• Science for Impact : Engage with topics of societal relevance — in an excellent scientific environment that enables change.
• Career‑Building and Developmental Opportunities : We provide you with a structured onboarding program, a broad spectrum of continuing‑education options, and personalised support, thereby fostering your individual growth.
• Flexible Working Hours : Take advantage of flexible‑hours schemes, remote‑work options, and a 30‑day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work‑life balance.
• Family-friendliness : The “KIT‑Family +” program assists you in reconciling work and family life by offering childcare services, holiday activities, a parent‑child office space, and assistance with caring for relatives.
• Stay Healthy : Under the motto “Fit at KIT – Body, Mind and Soul,” we promote your well‑being through fitness classes and mental‑health programmes.
• Individualised Extra Benefits : Enjoy a corporate pension (VBL), a €25 monthly contribution toward a JobTicket BW, plus a broad selection of cultural and recreational programmes.

Job location

Karlsruhe (and Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen)

Salary

Salary category 13 TV-L; classification is based on personal and professional qualifications.

Contract duration

3 years

Contact person in line-management

Prof. Dr. Ingrid Ott

[email protected]

If you have general questions about the application process, please contact

Julia Boldt

Personalservice (PSE)

[email protected]

At KIT we value the diversity of our employees; different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our work. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Applications from recognized severely disabled individuals are given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal.

Application up to: 2026-10-31

Job posting number: 1243/2026