PhD-Candidate - Health Economics

RWI − Leibniz Institute for Economic Research is an independent, non-profit research institution headquartered in Essen, Germany. The institute is a leading center for scientific research and evidence-based policy advice in Germany.

RWI’s Policy Lab “Climate Change, Development and Migration” conducts research on environmental policies, labor markets, and migration in the Global South as well as economic integration in the Global North. The policy lab cooperates closely with a wide network of academic partners, governments, and international organizations. The group is also engaged in the meta-science and research transparency debate.

The Research Group Population and Development led by Prof. Renate Hartwig focuses on population dynamics and their economic implications in low- and middle-income countries in particular.

The Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) is the largest Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Germany and member of the Leibniz Research Association, the National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, and a WHO Collaborating Centre.

BNITM’s Health Economics Research group is led by Dr. Jan Priebe and focuses on testing the impact and effectiveness of health interventions in low resource settings across various lower- and middle-income countries.

The RWI Policy Lab and Research Group Population and Development together with the Health Economics Research Group at the BNITM
invite applications for

a PhD-candidate (m/f/d) (65% for 3 years)

The RWI and BNITM are members of the Leibniz Research Network “INFECTIONS” (leibnizinfections.de). This research network aims to use interdisciplinary research and communication to develop new strategies and methods to improve outbreak management and optimize containment/control of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens. The research is grounded in the One Health approach, which accounts for the interaction of humans, animals and the environment. All research is carried out as cooperative projects between several partner institutes. The RWI and BNITM are partnering in an interdisciplinary project team on curbing AMR in livestock and humans through health interventions, incentives and transparency.

The position is to work in close collaboration with Prof. Renate Hartwig (RWI) and Dr. Jan Priebe (BNITM) on a project studying novel interventions in the livestock sector in Saharan Africa. The project combines chemical, medical and epidemiological data with novel primary data collected in farm- and household surveys as well as field experiments.

Your tasks will include:
• collaborating on exciting and challenging projects at the intersection of health and economics
• supporting the collection and harmonization of existing data
• contributing to the design of novel data collection tools and techniques and their implementation
• collaborating in the data analyses and the subsequent write-up and publication of results
• actively engaging in the academic and policy discourse and outreach
• completing a doctoral degree within RWI’s Ph.D. program

The successful applicant will:
• be enthusiastic and have a strong interest in African culture as well as health, and/or behavioral economics and data science
• in addition to a Master’s degree and a strong transcript, have a deep understanding of microeconomic theory and applied econometrics
• have already acquired knowledge in the use of common software as well as statistical econometric programs (especially Stata and/
or R). Knowledge of geographical information software (e. g. QGIS) is a plus
• have gained first experience in scientific research, for example, with an empirical Master thesis and field work
• have a very good command of English. Knowledge of French or an African language is a plus
• enjoy working independently as well as working in an intercultural and interdisciplinary team
• be an effective communicator with a high level of self-initiative, creativity and problem-solving skills

We offer the Ph.D. candidate:
• a vibrant research environment, encouraging innovative and ambitious research ideas
• an extensive international and interdisciplinary network in the aforementioned subject areas and the facilitation of research stays abroad
• a variety of activities in a dynamic research environment with many opportunities for outreach, scientific exchange and cooperation
• strong support to present research results at international conferences and publishing in leading academic journals
• a wide range of continuing education opportunities, including the possibility to participate in summer schools and graduate
courses, including those offered by the Ruhr Graduate School in Economics

Your application should consist of the following parts:
• a short cover letter (in English) outlining your interests and motivation for the position
• CV
• relevant transcripts and diplomas
• a writing sample (e. g. master thesis, seminar paper etc.)
• at least one letter of reference

The position (65%) is initially limited to three years, but an extension is desired. The position is based in Hamburg and in Essen/Germany starting in October 2025. Details can be arranged in consultation with the candidate. The remuneration and benefits are based on the German public service pay scale (65% TV-L E13) and in accordance with the rules of public service as outlined in TV-AVH (Collective bargaining agreement of the Hamburg Labor Law Association). Depending on external funding opportunities, there may be the possibility to increase the position's working hours beyond the initial 65%. Compliance with the guidelines for the disabled and the provisions of the law on part-time work are guaranteed. We support our employees in achieving a work-life balance and promote the professional equality of women and men. We strive to assist women in their scientific career, increase the number of women in research and reduce under-
representation in all areas and positions in general. We explicitly welcome applications from people with disabilities.

As a member of the Charta der Vielfalt, the largest diversity management network in Germany, we are also committed to making diversity an integral part of our institute culture. It is our goal to create a working environment that is free of prejudice.

For any inquiries regarding the position, please contact Prof. Renate Hartwig (renate.hartwig@rwi-essen.de). For information on the application procedure, please contact Mr. Tilo Schneider (humanresources@rwi-essen.de). To apply, please send your application, preferably also by e-mail, quoting the reference number 70219-09/25 until June 30, 2025 to

RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research
Mr. Tilo Schneider
PO Box 10 30 54, 45030 Essen, humanresources@rwi-essen.de

For more information on the institutes, please visit https://www.rwi-essen.de and https://www.bnitm.de/en

_{Please note, when you submit your application by email your data will be unencrypted, which may result in third parties to note and falsify your documents. Therefore, you can also submit your application by post. Please note that the application documents submitted will be shared with all parties involved in the recruitment process. All data will be processed in compliance with applicable data protection laws and institutional data security policies.}