Three doctoral students

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

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.

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.

Our doctoral students…

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.

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.

Support

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

ifo

• receive a
  three-year contract
  (75%; 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.

How to apply

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