Doctoral Researcher Position in Economics at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany

The Düsseldorf Graduate School of Economics (DGSE) and the Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics (DICE) at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) are inviting applications for a Doctoral Researcher in Economics. The position is designed for highly qualified graduates who want to pursue a PhD in Economics while conducting research and contributing to teaching. Candidates may specialize in Economic Theory, Empirical Microeconomics, Econometrics, Industrial Organisation, Behavioural Economics, Experimental Economics, or International Economics.

The position is offered at 75% working hours and is classified at E 13 TV-L, depending on the applicant’s qualifications. The appointment is initially limited to two years, from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2028, with the possibility of an additional two-year extension if agreed qualification targets are achieved. The application deadline is September 16, 2026.

Key Details

Detail	Information
Position	Doctoral Researcher in Economics
Institution	Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
Research Units	Düsseldorf Graduate School of Economics (DGSE) and Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics (DICE)
Faculty	Faculty of Business and Economics
Location	Düsseldorf, Germany
Job ID	J000000658
Employment	Part-time
Working Hours	75%
Salary	Up to E 13 TV-L
Start Date	January 1, 2027
Initial End Date	December 31, 2028
Potential Extension	Up to 2 additional years
Qualification Target	PhD
Job Category	Science / Research / Teaching
Main Fields	Economic Theory, Empirical Microeconomics, Econometrics, Industrial Organisation, Behavioural/Experimental Economics, International Economics
Application Deadline	September 16, 2026
Job Type	Academic / Doctoral Research
Country	Germany

About the Doctoral Researcher Position

This doctoral position provides an opportunity to combine research, teaching, and doctoral training within one of Düsseldorf’s established economics research environments. The DGSE has a particular focus on Competition Economics and Regulatory Issues, while DICE maintains close links with competition policy practice. Together, these institutions provide doctoral researchers with a research environment that connects academic economics with real-world competition and regulatory policy.

In addition to competition economics and policy, doctoral research is supervised in several areas of Applied Microeconomics, including behavioural economics, experimental economics, international economics, and econometrics. Doctoral researchers also participate in courses and seminars associated with the graduate programme. This combination of structured training, independent research, and academic collaboration is intended to support candidates in developing the qualifications required for a successful research career.

Research Areas

The advertised position covers several areas of economics. Applicants can develop research in fields including:

• Economic Theory
• Empirical Microeconomics
• Econometrics
• Industrial Organisation
• Behavioural Economics
• Experimental Economics
• International Economics
• Competition Economics
• Regulatory Economics
• Applied Microeconomics

Candidates should have a strong interest in at least one of these areas and demonstrate the quantitative and analytical preparation necessary for doctoral-level research.

Eligibility and Academic Requirements

Applicants should have completed a scientific university degree, such as an M.Sc., M.A., Diploma, or Magister, in Economics or a related quantitative-mathematical discipline. The university is seeking candidates with outstanding grades and a strong interest in advanced economic research.

Applicants should demonstrate strong motivation to work in areas such as Economic Theory and Policy, Industrial Organisation, Behavioural Economics, International Economics, Empirical Economics, or Econometrics. A very good knowledge of theoretical and empirical economic methods is required. Candidates should also have an excellent command of English, which is important for research, teaching, seminars, academic writing, and international collaboration.

PhD Qualification Opportunity

The position is explicitly structured as a qualification position under the German Act on Fixed-Term Employment Contracts in Academia (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz – WissZeitVG). The primary qualification target of the position is a PhD.

The initial employment period is two years. An extension of up to two additional years may be possible if the doctoral researcher reaches the qualification targets agreed with the supervisor during the hiring process. This structure makes the position particularly relevant to graduates seeking a funded route into doctoral research rather than a conventional permanent research position.

Research and Teaching Responsibilities

The successful candidate will contribute to research and teaching in one or more of the advertised economics fields. Research activities will form a central part of the role, with doctoral researchers developing their own academic projects under supervision while participating in the broader research environment of DGSE and DICE.

Teaching responsibilities will provide valuable experience for candidates planning an academic career. At the same time, the position is intended to support scientific qualification, meaning that doctoral research remains a core component of the appointment.

DGSE and DICE Research Environment

The Düsseldorf Graduate School of Economics provides structured doctoral education through courses, seminars, and research activities. The Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics focuses particularly on competition economics and policy. Its close relationship with competition policy practice provides doctoral researchers with opportunities to connect economic theory and empirical analysis with important policy questions.

This environment can be especially suitable for researchers interested in topics such as market power, regulation, competition policy, industrial organisation, strategic behaviour, consumer behaviour, international markets, and empirical economic analysis.

Salary and Employment Conditions

The position is classified under E 13 TV-L, with the exact pay level depending on the applicant’s personal qualifications. The position is advertised at 75% working hours, making it a part-time academic position. The initial contract runs from January 1, 2027, until December 31, 2028.

Subject to the agreed doctoral qualification targets and the applicable employment regulations, the contract may be extended for an additional two years. Applicants should consult the official employment documentation for the exact salary calculation and contractual conditions applicable to their individual circumstances.

Benefits

Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf lists several benefits associated with the position and its employment environment, including:

• Company pension grant
• Flexible working hours
• International working environment
• Collective bargaining conditions
• Capital-forming benefits
• Good public transport connections
• Free parking

These benefits complement the academic and research opportunities offered through DGSE and DICE.

Application Requirements

Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their academic qualifications, outstanding performance, quantitative skills, research interests, and English-language ability. Because the position leads toward a PhD, applicants should also clearly communicate their motivation for doctoral research and explain how their interests align with the advertised research fields.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online throughApply online:
https://karriere.hhu.de/index.php?ac=login&jobad_id=658

Application Steps

1. Review the official vacancy and eligibility requirements.
2. Confirm that your degree is in Economics or a related quantitative-mathematical field.
3. Identify your preferred research area or areas.
4. Prepare your academic and supporting documents.
5. Highlight your quantitative and empirical economics skills.
6. Demonstrate your motivation for doctoral research.
7. Submit the application through Apply online:
   https://karriere.hhu.de/index.php?ac=login&jobad_id=658
8. Complete the application before September 16, 2026.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is:

September 16, 2026

The position is scheduled to begin on:

January 1, 2027

Applicants should submit their materials early enough to allow time for any technical issues with the online application system: https://karriere.hhu.de/index.php?ac=login&jobad_id=658.

Contact

For questions about the position, candidates can contact:

Prof. Dr. Hans-Theo Normann
Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics
Email: normann@dice.hhu.de

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf states that it follows the principle of “Excellence through Diversity.” The university is committed to promoting diversity among its staff and has signed the Diversity Charter. Applications from people of all genders are welcome. The university also states that applications from women receive preferential consideration in accordance with the applicable State Equal Opportunities Act where candidates have equal qualifications and professional suitability.

Applications from severely disabled persons and people with equivalent disabilities are explicitly encouraged. Applicants who want their disability or equivalent status to be taken into consideration should provide appropriate documentation. HHU also describes itself as a family-friendly university, reflecting its commitment to supporting employees in balancing academic work and family life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the position?

It is a Doctoral Researcher position in Economics at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany.

2. Which research areas are available?

The position covers Economic Theory, Empirical Microeconomics, Econometrics, Industrial Organisation, Behavioural/Experimental Economics, and International Economics.

3. What degree do I need?

Applicants need a completed M.Sc., M.A., Diploma, or Magister in Economics or a related quantitative-mathematical discipline, with outstanding grades.

4. Is a PhD already required?

No. The position is specifically designed as a doctoral qualification position, with the qualification target being a PhD.

5. What is the salary?

The position is paid according to E 13 TV-L, depending on the applicant’s qualifications.

6. Is the position full-time?

No. The advertised working time is 75%, making it a part-time position.

7. How long is the contract?

The initial contract runs for two years, from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2028. An additional two-year extension may be possible if the agreed qualification targets are achieved.

8. When does the position start?

The scheduled start date is January 1, 2027.

9. Is teaching part of the job?

Yes. The main tasks include research and teaching in the relevant economics fields.

10. Is English required?

Yes. Candidates should have an excellent command of English.

11. What quantitative skills are expected?

Applicants should have very good knowledge of theoretical and empirical economic methods. The position is particularly relevant to candidates with quantitative and mathematical preparation.

12. What is the application deadline?

The deadline is September 16, 2026.

13. Who is the contact person?

The contact person is Prof. Dr. Hans-Theo Normann at normann@dice.hhu.de.