PhD Position in urban economics

TU Dortmund University is a dynamic research-oriented university with 17 departments in the natural and engineering sciences as well as social and cultural sciences. On our international campus, around 6,700 employees make a daily contribution to solving pressing questions of the present and the future. Openness and diversity characterize not only the collaboration in research and teaching, but also in technology and administration.

PhD Position in urban economics

The Chair of Urban, Regional and International Economics at the Department of Business and Economics at TU Dortmund University conducts teaching and research at the interface between economics and spatial planning. This encompasses topics relating to economics in urban and regional contexts. In terms of content, we work primarily with empirical, quantitative data on topics such as international trade, innovation, transformation and urban research.

To strengthen our team, we are seeking a research assistant to support teaching and research, starting October 1st 2026. The position is to be filled with a fixed-term basis for a period of three years. Remuneration will be in accordance with the collective agreement provisions for pay grade 13 (TV-L). This is a 75% fulltime equivalent.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducting research in the field of Urban, Regional and International Economics, covering subtopics such as international trade and regional economics, in the context of innovation, transformation and sustainability
• Securing and managing research projects and publishing research output in the above-mentioned field
• Designing, preparing, supervising and teaching courses at the Faculties of Business and Economics and Spatial Planning (3 SWS)

WE OFFER:

• A pleasant working atmosphere within a dynamic team
• A challenging role in a research-intensive environment with opportunities for international exchange and a clear thematic focus
• Structured support for publications, conference participation and further academic qualifications (PhD)
• A wide range of opportunities for personal development
• Initiative and strong communication skills
• Willingness to work on an interdisciplinary manner
• The opportunity to pursue a PhD is given and strongly encouraged

REQUIREMENTS:

• A completed degree (Masters/Diploma) in Economics, Spatial Planning or related field
• Very good knowledge of quantitative research methods or a strong willingness to familiarise with these
• Confidence in conducting empirical research and programming-knowledge in e.g. R/STATA/Python is an advantage
• Very good written and spoken German or English

TU Dortmund University aims at increasing the percentage of women in science and therefore encourages women to apply.

Disabled candidates with equal qualifications will be given preference.

Applications, including a curriculum vitae, copies of degree certificates and names and contact details of references, should be sent – stating the reference no. w45-26 to the following address by at the latest: Sept. 1st, 2026.

Technische Universität Dortmund

Prof. Christiane Hellmanzik, PhD, Urban, Regional and International Economics

44221 Dortmund

For queries please contact Prof. Christiane Hellmanzik via: christiane.hellmanzik@tu-dortmund.de