We are seeking doctoral candidates to pursue a PhD in economics under the guidance of department head Prof. Dr. Ludger Woessmann at the University of Munich and to work on research projects in the economics of education.

Our team is dedicated to exploring the causes and effects of education from an economic perspective, focusing on how the state can facilitate access to the opportunities of an open society. We aim to use analyses of the economics of education to uncover insights into prosperity and equality of opportunity. Join us in this important endeavor!

As one of Europe’s leading economic research institutes, the ifo Institute tackles economically and politically significant issues at the highest scientific level. Our work spans internationally, shaping research-based policy recommendations for politics, business, and society. Our five core activities – research, nurturing young talent, policy advice, participation in public debate, and provision of information and service – are dedicated to sustaining and enhancing economic prosperity and social participation in an ever-evolving global landscape.


Do you want to know more about us and your career opportunities? Meet us at our Homepage.

• Conducting research in the economics of education, advancing your own research agenda, and developing your personal research profile.
• Contributing to a research project that studies public opinion on education policy and/or equality of opportunity in education.
• Pursuing a doctorate in economics under the supervision of your division head at ifo, Prof. Dr. Ludger Woessmann, at the LMU Chair of the Economics of Education.
• Participating in the structured doctoral program of the Munich Graduate School of Economics (MGSE) at LMU.
• Publishing your research findings through various channels, with active support from the ifo Institute.

• Hold a Master’s degree in economics with strong academic performance.
• Possess a solid foundation in economic principles, relevant empirical methods, and the economics of education and/or labor economics or related fields.
• Demonstrate outstanding English language skills, both written and spoken, to confidently engage in our international research network. German language proficiency is a plus.
• Value professional collaboration, embody teamwork spirit, take personal and collective responsibility, and uphold mutual respect.
• Embrace learning through discussions and believe in the creation of excellent and effective research through collaborative exchanges.

Research

• work on exciting questions in practically all areas of economics.
• are part of one of the most prestigious economics programs in Germany with MGSE and 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 a higher salary through top publications of their research in specialist journals.

People

• have the opportunity to use the CESifo research network with more than 1,760 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 enhance their research and broaden their horizons.

ifo

• receive a three-year contract (75%; approx. 30 hours/week) with the possibility of extension.
• receive a starting salary according to TV-L E 13 (€ ca. 41.024,00 € gross/year incl. annual bonus; approx. from November 2024).
• 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.
• take advantage of 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 desired.

Interested? Then please send us your application documents with the reference number 2024-022 BI-Dok by December 15, 2024 using the form below.

Your application should include a letter of motivation, CV, certificates and at least two letters of reference. Reference letters can be sent directly from the creator to the following e-mail address: Recruiting(@)ifo.de. The letters will then be added to your application in our system and forwarded to the appropriate persons.

Please ensure that you only use .pdf files, Word documents and images in .jpg format. Please also ensure that you use short file names. File names that are too long can lead to errors when sending the application. Please read the document “Information on naming attachments” carefully so that your application can be sent to us without errors. Please use “Mozilla Firefox” or “Microsoft Edge” as your browser. In case of problems, please check whether you are using the latest browser version.

If you have any questions, please contact recruiting(@)ifo.de.