The ZEW – Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research in Mannheim, Germany, is one of the leading economic research institutes in Europe. The ZEW is looking to fill the following position in the Research Unit “Labour Economics”.

As a successful applicant, you will contribute to the unit’s research agenda and its economic policy advising projects. The new hire will become a member of the research area “Structural Change and Social Insurance.” Hence, applicants' research should focus on social insurance or health-related aspects of work. Candidates should have a strong interest in theory-based, empirical or experimental analyses. Candidates will develop their independent research agenda and career plan, publish in international top journals, and provide research-based policy advice. There are no teaching requirements.

Candidates should have excellent writing skills. Fluency in English is required; command of German is a plus but not required. Candidates must receive a Ph.D. by September 2027 and demonstrate the potential to achieve excellence in research.

We offer a full-time position for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension for another three plus one year. After six years, ZEW offers the possibility of a permanent contract in Germany’s public sector.
Remuneration follows the TV-L salary scale (EG 13), with public-sector benefits. Germany provides extensive parental leave, childcare access from age one, and kindergarten from age three. Employees receive up to six weeks of full-pay sick leave, followed by paid medical leave, and 30 days of paid vacation. Social insurance is generous by international standards.

Please submit your application (including a cover letter, a research statement, a CV, 2 reference letters, and the job market paper) via the online application form on our website. Interviews will take place online before the December holidays. Please submit your application by 30 November 2026 exclusively via the online application form on our website. Reference letters can be submitted through EconJobMarket platform.
https://jobs.zew.de/jobposting/75c03c1192cc8edd8ae60334976887f36e4baaa00