The Public Economics Department analyzes how financial, fiscal, and social policies influence economic decisions made by individuals, households, and companies. The department’s key focus is on fiscal and social policy in Germany, with analyses based on microsimulation models and microeconometric methods. Of particular interest are the behavioral patterns of households, companies, and policy makers, as well as the distributional effects of fiscal and social policy. These are assessed not only at national level, but also at local, regional, and EU levels.
Starting preferably on 1st September 2027, DIW Berlin is looking for a
Postdoc (f/m/x)
(full-time, part-time is possible)
This position is suitable for furthering scientific training according to Section 2, paragraph 1 of the Act on Fixed-Term Employment Contracts in Academic (WissZeitVG).
Your responsibilities:
- You will conduct and manage high-quality scientific research with the aim of publishing in leading journals in Economics
- You will contribute to the department's research agenda, including work on demographic change, the distributional effects of tax and transfer systems and household behavior over the lifecycle
- You will carry out scientific research within the framework of third-party funded projects
- You will develop your own research ideas and prepare applications for third-party funding
- Teaching activities are optional
Your qualifications:
- A completed master’s degree in economics or a closely related field
- PhD in Economics or a related field, with a strong interest in Applied Economics and a particular focus on Public Economics, Social Policy, Labor Economics, and Distributional Economics, including policy evaluation
- Specialized knowledge of empirical tools, especially (micro-)econometric methods and structural models, and experience working with micro-level and aggregated data
- Demonstrated potential to contribute substantially to academic research and policy analysis, including the ability to recognize and articulate differing viewpoints and an open attitude toward interdisciplinary cooperation
- Willingness to work in an international environment and collaborate across disciplines
- Record of published and/or forthcoming articles in relevant journals
- Excellent command of English
What we offer:
A modern, well-equipped workplace at a research institute with around 300 colleagues, where diversity, equal opportunities and a healthy work-life balance are guiding principles applied across all areas of work. Working time arrangements tailored to individual needs, flexible working hours and remote working are integral parts of our working culture.
DIW Berlin supports your professional and personal qualification and advancement via internal and external career development opportunities and annual performance reviews.
You are paid according to the collective agreement for the public sector (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes,TVöD Bund), which includes an annual bonus as well as a company pension with VBL Ost.
Through our partnership with a leading sports network, you can enjoy discounted access to a diverse range of partner gyms and sports activities.
Your workplace is centrally located in the heart of Berlin, which is convenient to public transportation. As a DIW Berlin employee, you are eligible for a discounted VBB company ticket or Deutschlandticket Job, which is partially subsidized.
The position is limited to 3 years, with the option of extending for an additional 3 years. Remuneration is paid according to TVöD Bund, salary group EG14.
Application and information:
We value diversity and welcome all applications regardless of gender, disability, nationality, or ethnic or social origin. If you’re interested in the position, we are excited to hear from you!
Please apply exclusively online through our application portal by 23 November 2026, stating the reference number STT-1-26 and including a cover/motivation letter, CV, copy of your job market paper and your degree and work certificates and references. Please do not include a photo.
You can access the application portal via our career page at
https://www.diw.de/de/diw_01.c.617346.de/karriere.html
Please note that only applications submitted through the portal can be considered. If you have any questions about the online application, feel free to contact recruiting@diw.de.
For information about the job responsibilities, please contact Prof. Dr. Peter Haan (phaan@diw.de).
You can find more information about DIW Berlin on our homepage at www.diw.de.
First round interviews will be conducted online in coordination with the European Job Market for Economists in December 2026.
Founded in 1925, DIW Berlin (the German Institute for Economic Research) is one of the leading economic research institutes in Germany. The Institute analyzes the economic and social aspects of topical issues, formulating and disseminating policy advice based on its research findings. DIW Berlin is part of both the national and international scientific communities, provides research infrastructure to academics all over the world, and promotes the next generation of scientists. A member of the Leibniz Association, DIW Berlin is independent and primarily publicly funded.
To apply, visit https://www.diw.de/de/diw_01.c.617346.de/karriere.html. (See posting for details.)