3 PhD Positions in Economics & Data Science at TUM Heilbronn, Germany
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is inviting applications for three PhD positions in Empirical Economics and Data Science at its Heilbronn campus. Hosted by the Professorship of Empirical Economics & Data Science within the TUM School of Management and the Heilbronn Data Science Center, these positions offer a rare opportunity to pursue doctoral research at the intersection of economics, econometrics, and artificial intelligence.
The appointments are expected to begin as soon as possible and are initially funded for four years. For candidates seeking fully funded PhD opportunities in Europe, particularly in economics, data science, or causal AI, this is a highly competitive opening at one of Europe’s most respected research universities. Several factors make this opening particularly attractive:
- Three funded PhD positions are available.
- Research combines economics, AI, and data science.
- TUM is one of Europe’s top universities.
- Triple Crown accredited business school.
- Four-year contract with potential full funding.
- Strong industry and policy connections.
- Excellent publication and networking opportunities.
For ambitious students aiming to build an international research career, these positions offer both intellectual depth and institutional support. The three PhD positions in Empirical Economics and Data Science at TUM Heilbronn present an exceptional opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in causal AI, econometrics, and innovation policy within one of Europe’s strongest academic environments. If your goal is to build a rigorous, internationally visible research profile in economics or data science, this doctoral opportunity deserves serious consideration.
Why Study at TUM?
Technical University of Munich is consistently ranked among Europe’s leading universities. As one of Germany’s first three Universities of Excellence, TUM is internationally recognized for its research strength, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong ties to industry. The TUM School of Management holds the prestigious Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS), a distinction achieved by roughly 1% of business schools worldwide.
Located in Heilbronn, the campus combines the research standards of TUM with a growing innovation ecosystem focused on data science, entrepreneurship, and applied AI.
Research Areas and Academic Focus
The PhD positions are embedded in a dynamic research environment spanning:
- Empirical Economics
- Data Science
- Econometrics
- Innovation Policy
- Technology Management
- Causal Inference
- Artificial Intelligence
- Causal AI
Special Emphasis on Causal Data Science
A major research priority of the professorship is causal data science, an emerging field that combines machine learning with causal inference to answer cause-and-effect questions rather than relying solely on correlations. This approach is especially relevant as AI systems increasingly influence decisions in:
- Business strategy
- Organizational design
- Public policy
- Resource allocation
- Innovation management
Research projects examine how causal AI can improve fairness, transparency, and reliability in real-world decision-making.
What Is Causal AI?
Causal AI extends traditional machine learning by asking not only what is associated with an outcome, but what actually causes it. For example:
- Which policy interventions increase firm productivity?
- How does AI adoption affect organizational performance?
- What drives innovation success across regions or industries?
This methodology is becoming central to modern empirical economics and applied data science.
Your Responsibilities as a PhD Researcher
Successful applicants will contribute to both research and teaching activities.
Research Duties
- Conduct original research projects suitable for publication in leading journals
- Collaborate with faculty and research partners
- Analyze complex datasets using advanced econometric and machine learning methods
- Present findings at international conferences
Teaching and Academic Service
- Support Bachelor’s and Master’s courses at TUM Campus Heilbronn
- Supervise undergraduate and graduate theses
- Assist in organizing academic conferences and workshops
- Contribute to administrative tasks within the professorship
Candidate Profile
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Economics, Data Science, Management, or a related discipline
- Strong quantitative background in statistics and econometrics
- Programming skills in Python, R, or similar languages
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Ability to conduct rigorous, independent research
- Strong teamwork and organizational skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with causal inference methods
- Familiarity with large-scale datasets
- Prior research experience or academic publications
Funding and Employment Conditions
The positions are funded under Germany’s public sector pay scale:
- 75% TV-L E13 salary initially
- Possible increase to 100% funding
- Initial contract duration of four years
This funding structure typically provides a competitive salary and full employee benefits, including health insurance, pension contributions, and paid leave.
What TUM Offers PhD Candidates
Doctoral researchers at TUM benefit from:
- An interdisciplinary research environment
- Close integration with the Heilbronn Data Science Center
- Access to leading scholars in economics and AI
- Opportunities to publish in top journals
- Funding for international conference participation
- Industry collaborations and networking opportunities
- Structured professional development and training
- An inclusive and international workplace
Commitment to Diversity and Equal Opportunity
TUM is committed to equal opportunity and strongly encourages applications from women and candidates with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities will receive preference when qualifications are equivalent.
Application Deadline
30 May 2026 Early application is recommended, as review may begin before the deadline.
Application Documents Required
Submit the following in one PDF file:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts
- References (if available)
How to Apply
Send your application by email to: jobs.udsm@mgt.tum.de & Subject line: PhD Empirical Economics and Data Science & Contact person: Ms. Elke Kröber – Applications must be submitted by 30 May 2026.
Postal Application Address
TUM School of Management
UDSM
Elke Kröber
Bildungscampus 2
74076 Heilbronn
Germany
Please send copies only, as documents submitted by post will not be returned.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this PhD position fully funded?
Yes. The positions are funded at 75% of the TV-L E13 salary scale, with the possibility of increasing to 100%.
How long is the PhD contract?
The initial appointment is for four years.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 30 May 2026.
Do I need to know German?
No. Excellent English proficiency is required, and the working language is English.
Is prior experience in causal inference mandatory?
No, but experience in causal inference and econometrics is considered an advantage.
Can international students apply?
Yes. TUM welcomes applications from qualified candidates worldwide.
What programming languages are preferred?
Python and R are specifically mentioned, though similar languages are also acceptable.
Where is the position located?
The positions are based at TUM Campus Heilbronn in Germany.
What research topics can I pursue?
Possible topics include causal AI, econometrics, innovation policy, technology management, and applied data science.
Who should I contact for questions?
You may contact Ms. Elke Kröber via jobs.udsm@mgt.tum.de
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