The Chair Group of Production and Resource Economics at the TUM School of Management and the TUM School of Life Sciences is inviting applications for a Ph.D. Student / Junior Researcher in Agricultural & Resource Economics / Applied Economics.

If you are passionate about climate policy, digital agriculture, AI in livestock systems, food markets, or environmental economics, this fully funded PhD opportunity in Germany offers a strong research environment, international collaboration, and competitive public salary (TV-L E13 2/3).

Why This PhD at TUM Stands Out

The Technical University of Munich is consistently ranked among Europe’s top research universities and is a long-standing member of Germany’s Excellence Initiative.

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Conduct cutting-edge empirical research
• Publish in internationally peer-reviewed journals
• Work within major EU Horizon and national research projects
• Collaborate with global partners (South America, Asia, Africa)
• Join structured Graduate School training programs
• Receive high-level supervision from senior faculty

The initial contract is 2 years (extendable) with salary according to TV-L E13 (2/3 position) under the German public salary scale.

Research Areas (High-Demand & High-Impact Fields)

You will conduct empirical research in at least one of the following areas:

• Natural resources & environmental economics
• Digitalization, AI & smart livestock technologies
• Climate change & climate policy
• Agricultural, food & environmental policy impact analysis
• Production efficiency & global food markets

Ongoing projects include major EU Horizon initiatives such as:

• Smart4Welfare
• StewardSoil
• LandPrint

These projects provide exposure to large datasets, policy impact analysis, and international research networks.

Required Qualifications

Ideal candidates should have:

• An excellent degree in:
  • Economics
  • Environmental Economics
  • Agricultural Economics
  • Applied Economics
  • Related quantitative social sciences
• Strong quantitative skills:
  • Econometrics
  • Statistics
  • Machine Learning
• Experience with empirical data analysis
• High motivation & ability to work independently
• Excellent English (German working knowledge encouraged)

What You’ll Gain

• Access to one of Europe’s strongest research ecosystems
• International academic network building
• Opportunities for teaching (undergraduate & graduate level)
• Exposure to grant acquisition and policy outreach
• A clear pathway toward an internationally competitive PhD

The work environment is highly international and research-driven, with a strong emphasis on publication quality and academic excellence.

Application Process

Submit a single PDF file containing:

• Motivation letter (clearly linking your background to the position)
• Academic CV
• References
• Transcripts and degree certificates

Send your application to: Professor Johannes Sauer
Chair Group of Production and Resource Economics
Email: jo.sauer@tum.de

Application deadline: Rolling review until March 29, 2026
Positions remain open until filled. For project-specific questions, contact: please contact Maria Vrachioli, Ph.D. (maria.vrachioli@tum.de) or Dr. Fabian Frick (fabian.frick@tum.de).

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

The Technical University of Munich actively promotes diversity and equal opportunity. Women and individuals who add diversity dimensions to research and teaching are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants with disabilities will receive preference if qualifications are equivalent.

Salary Details: TV-L E13 (2/3 Position)

The position follows the German public sector salary system:

• Salary group: TV-L E13
• Employment level: 67% (2/3)
• Includes social security, health insurance & pension contributions
• Standard PhD employment model in Germany

Actual monthly net salary depends on tax class and personal circumstances.

Location: Freising-Weihenstephan, Bavaria

The campus is located near Munich in Bavaria, offering:

• Strong research infrastructure
• High quality of life
• International academic environment
• Proximity to Munich’s innovation ecosystem

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is this PhD position fully funded?

Yes. The position is funded under the German public salary scale (TV-L E13, 2/3 position), which includes salary and social benefits.

2. How long is the contract?

The initial contract is 2 years, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding.

3. Do I need to speak German?

English proficiency is required. Willingness to acquire working knowledge of German is encouraged but not mandatory at the start.

4. Can international students apply?

Yes. The position strongly encourages international collaboration and welcomes global applicants.

5. What research methods are expected?

Strong quantitative skills are required, including econometrics, statistics, and potentially machine learning for applied economic analysis.

6. Is teaching required?

Teaching opportunities are available at undergraduate and postgraduate levels but are not the sole focus of the position.

7. Are publications expected during the PhD?

Yes. The goal is to produce internationally competitive, peer-reviewed publications.