Economist for Industry and Innovation Policy (m/f/d) Dezernat Zukunft – Institute for Macrofinance

Who we are and what we’re looking for

Germany is in the midst of a deep economic crisis. It needs strong, innovative companies that create good jobs, and sound economic policy to support this. At the Business Lab, we provide analyses on how to achieve this – and that’s why we’re looking for you. 

The Dezernat Zukunft is a non-partisan Berlin-based think tank operating at the interface between politics, public administration and research. Around 30 people work together towards the goal of rethinking monetary, financial and economic policy and communicating it in an accessible way. Guided by the values of dignity, prosperity, democracy and sustainability, we are looking for an Economist (m/f/d) to join our Business Lab as soon as possible.

In this role, you will examine the conditions under which business models are viable in Germany and identify the key political and entrepreneurial factors that determine this. We analyse the economy, sectors and markets at the so-called meso level. This goes deeper than macro-level analyses of the economy as a whole and aggregates findings from the micro level – that is, the individual company. In doing so, you will analyse industries, technologies and value chains. As we are often breaking new analytical ground, we develop our own frameworks. One example is the  Tragfähigkeitscheck, which calculates whether state support encourages follow-on investment in Germany or prolongs negative returns. You will further develop this concept and roll it out to new sectors. To do this, you will delve deeply into complex problems from both a quantitative and qualitative perspective, structure them, work through them independently and explain the results in a way that policymakers and the public can understand.

This role is central to the development of meso-analysis within the Dezernat Zukunft. It requires a high degree of diligence and independence and offers the opportunity to make an important contribution at the interface between research, politics and the public.

Your responsibilities

• You will independently design and carry out sector and market analyses at the meso level. In doing so, you will examine business models, company figures and market structures within individual industries and technologies.
• You will further develop our frameworks – particularly the viability check – both conceptually and methodologically, and roll them out to new sectors and research questions.
• You will prepare and analyse data: company balance sheets, sector and macro data, as well as qualitative evidence from case studies and expert interviews, which you will organise yourself.
• You will make targeted use of AI tools in research, data preparation and analysis, and work with us to develop strategies for their effective use within the team.
• You will translate your findings into concrete policy proposals, papers and briefings, and present them clearly to decision-makers.
• You will work closely with your colleagues in the Business Lab and the other teams within the Dezernat Zukunft, and actively engage with representatives from parliaments, governments, academia, business and the media. Our work only succeeds if we engage with these groups, listen to them and collaborate with them.
• You provide professional guidance to working students in the team and supervise them in their analyses.

What we offer

• Active support for your professional development in terms of skills, networks and responsibilities.
• Remuneration based on the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD): placement in Entgeltgruppe E 13 – the specific grade will depend on your experience and includes an annual bonus and 30 days’ holiday.
• A workplace in Berlin-Mitte with the option to work remotely and mutually agreed core working hours.
• Unbureaucratic, understanding arrangements for short-term care needs; paid leave in accordance with § 29 TVöD for personal reasons (e.g. a child is ill).
• A subsidy towards the Deutschlandticket or JobRad scheme.
• And last but not least: a dynamic, motivated team, joint events (e.g. hiking or canoeing trips) and work that makes a difference. 

Your profile

• You share our values and goals, are passionate about economic and industrial policy, and are committed to fostering the growth of good companies and good jobs in Germany.
• You hold a Master’s degree, ideally in a STEM subject or in economics – other disciplines are not a deal-breaker – as well as relevant professional experience, ideally at the interface between consultancy and academia. You understand company balance sheets and key financial indicators and recognise which figures really matter for political decisions.
• You analyse complex problems from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives, work independently and thoroughly, and have already carried out research projects, communicating results and recommendations for action concisely. Experience with Python, R or Stata, as well as with corporate and financial databases, is an advantage. You are aware that our analyses are subject to rigorous public scrutiny and take ownership of your projects.
• You can prepare and present findings in a way that resonates with policy advisers, and are confident in engaging with decision-makers.
• You communicate very well in German and English and can write sophisticated, clear texts in both languages.
• You have advanced practical knowledge of commonly used AI tools.
• You want to get to the bottom of things and learn something new every day. For us, the ability to expand your knowledge and change your views is even more important than the knowledge you bring with you.
• You enjoy working in a team, listening to others and supporting your colleagues.

The perfect candidate doesn’t always tick every box. If you think you’d be a good fit for us – please apply anyway and tell us why. 

Start date and contract terms 

• Start date: As soon as possible, from our side. Following the application process, we expect you to start in January 2027. The exact start date is negotiable.
• Hours: 32–39 hours per week (flexible depending on your availability).
• Contract duration: initially one year (we aim to make the position permanent after two years).

Application process

Please apply online with your CV and a short covering letter demonstrating your suitability in line with the criteria set out above. Please also let us know how you found out about the role and the hours you would be able to work. 

Application deadline: 15 November 2026

The application process consists of three stages: Firstly, we’ll hold a brief online interview so we can get to know each other. In the second stage, you’ll be given an analytical task, which you’ll complete in the form of slides accompanied by a short text and send to us in advance. For the final round, we’ll invite you to our office: you’ll present your findings, and afterwards we’ll take the time for an in-depth face-to-face interview to get to know you better. 

We value diversity and aim to promote diversity within our team. Applications are welcome – regardless of gender, nationality, cultural or social background, religion, beliefs, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Contact / Enquiries 

Do you find the role exciting but aren’t sure whether it’s right for you or whether you’d be a good fit for the department and the requirements? Get in touch with us! You can contact Maximilian Paleschke – Director and Head of Business Lab – directly by email maximilian.paleschke@dezernatzukunft.org.

Franzisca Wulfert – Operations Manager HR – will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the application process at franzisca.wulfert@dezernatzukunft.org.

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