Doctoral Student in Public Economics

Nestled in a modern city surrounded by nature and with an exceptional standard of living, Leibniz University Hannover offers excellent working conditions in a vibrant scientific community.

The Institute of Public Finance at Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) conducts research on public finance topics with a focus on empirical tax research. We investigate questions relevant to society, policy, and the economy. The institute is part of the Faculty of Economics and Management at LUH, which offers early-career researchers a professional, active, and stimulating international research environment.

The following position at the Institute of Public Finance is to be filled starting on September 1, 2026 or by arrangement: Doctoral Student in Public Economics (salary scale 13 TV-L, 75 %)

The position is initially limited to 24 months (with the possibility of extension) and offers the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree. The position is funded by the DFG project “What Makes R&D Tax Credits Work: Evidence on Compliance Cost and Policy Interactions”.

Your role

You will be responsible for:

• Independent research activities within the framework of a research project on R&D tax credits and entrepreneurial innovation
• Research stays at the Norwegian School of Economics in Bergen (Norway) and the University of Oxford (United Kingdom)
• Collaboration with internationally leading researchers in the field of your doctoral project
• Presenting your research findings at national and international conferences

You will also be involved in the administrative tasks of the institute.

Who are we looking for?

A prerequisite for employment is a completed academic university degree (Diploma/Master’s) in economics or business administration (or a related field) or the completion of such a degree before starting the position. Advanced knowledge of econometric methods and excellent English skills, both spoken and written, are expected.

Additionally, you bring the following qualifications: You should have a strong interest in policy-relevant topics and empirical research in the field of public economics (public finance) and/or innovation research. A deep interest in the area of taxation is desirable. You should also demonstrate excellent organizational, social, and communication skills, as well as a high level of motivation, flexibility, and initiative.

Equal opportunities and diversity are core values at Leibniz University Hannover. Our goal is to tap into individual potential and open up possibilities. We therefore welcome applications from anyone interested in the position, irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

We strive towards a balanced and diverse workforce and a reduction in under-representation in accordance with the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz – NGG). We therefore also welcome applications from women for the above-mentioned position. Preference will be given to equally-qualified candidates with disabilities.

Why join us?

You can expect a varied work environment and collaboration within a dedicated, research-oriented team. Attendance at PhD courses and international conferences, as well as research stays abroad as part of your doctoral studies, are explicitly encouraged and funded through the DFG project.

With more than 5.000 employees, Leibniz University Hannover is one of the largest and most attractive employers in the Hannover region. We offer a vibrant interdisciplinary and international working environment, and promote personal and professional development ranging from subject-related skills to leadership and languages.

We support employees with balancing work and family life, through services such as back-up childcare, childcare during school holidays, and parent-child offices, as well as providing individual advice regarding family responsibilities and caring for dependants. Remote work (mobile work, work from home) can therefore be arranged upon request.

To promote health and well-being among employees, we offer an extensive sports programme with over 100 different sports, as well as a fitness centre with a sauna and climbing space. Health management measures, such as courses on stress management, good nutrition and relaxation, aim to ensure a healthy workplace.

Additional information

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Maximilian Todtenhaupt (email: todtenhaupt@fiwi.uni-hannover.de).

Please submit your application and supporting documents (CV, detailed qualifications, transcripts, at least one letter of recommendation) by 15 February 2026 electronically as one pdf file to

Email: kolisch@fiwi.uni-hannover.de (Dennis Kolisch)

or alternatively by post to:
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover
Institut für Öffentliche Finanzen 
Königsworther Platz 1, 30167 Hannover

Information on the collection of personal data according to article 13 GDPR can be found at: https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/datenschutzhinweis-bewerbungen/  

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