Doctoral Researcher/Economist f/m/d

The Leibniz Institute for East and Southeast European Studies (IOS) is an interdisciplinary research centre in Regensburg, Germany, that explores historical, economic, and political developments in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. IOS is publicly funded by the Federal Government of Germany and the Free State of Bavaria. Since 2017, IOS has been a member of the Leibniz Association, one of the leading associations of research institutions in Germany. IOS closely cooperates with the University of Regensburg. For more information on IOS go to www.leibniz-ios.de/en
To strengthen our team of research economists, we invite applications for a position as
Doctoral Researcher/Economist f/m/d (up to TVL-E13, 75 %),
starting on November 1st, 2026, or upon agreement.
Remuneration based on the German TV-L public pay scale, salary group up to E13. The weekly working hours of the doctoral position are 75% of the full-time working hours. The employment contract is limited to three years. The position does not carry a teaching load. However, in case of an interest, there is a possibility to voluntarily take on teaching responsibilities in more advanced stages of the PhD.

We offer:
• A position that provides opportunities for further academic qualification (PhD);
• The opportunity to develop your own research projects;
• The possibility to attend graduate and other training courses;
• Advice and support for the doctoral research;
• A research-focused international and interdisciplinary environment;
• Access to international research networks and partners, and conference opportunities.

Your profile:
• Aim for further academic qualification (doctorate);
• Completed Master’s degree in Economics, Statistics, or Data Science (or closely related fields) with above-average results. Applicants are expected to have a Master’s degree by the start of the position;
• Strong motivation to conduct academic research, combined with a solid econometric background and quantitative skills and the ability to work independently.
• Research interests in empirical economics and in any of the following fields: economic history, international economics, political economy, development economics and growth, environmental economics, gender and health economics, and labor economics;
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken). Knowledge of German is an additional asset, as is the knowledge of languages of Eastern and Southeastern Europe;
• Willingness to conduct research with the focus on Eastern and Southeastern Europe, Central Asia, and/or the South Caucasus, also comparatively, is essential;
• To be open to interdisciplinary cooperation, flexible, communicative, reliable, and able to work in an international team.

Your responsibilities:
• Conducting original independent research relevant to the institute’s research agenda with the aim of a doctoral degree;
• Presenting research results at conferences and workshops;
• Supporting the department in research-related tasks;
• Publishing in international peer-reviewed journals;

How to apply:
Please submit your application online via the IOS application portal at https://leibniz-ios.de/en/vacancies-and-internships and upload your application documents. Applications via email will not be accepted. The interviews will take place on September 21, 2026.

Application documents:
• Research proposal, outlining your motivation and key directions for doctoral research (max 2 pages);
• Curriculum Vitae. If applicable, with the list of your publications and presentations;
• Copies of university certificates (with transcript of records);
• Sample research writing (e.g., Master’s thesis);
• Names and contact details of at least two academic references (letters of recommendation may be requested at a later stage)
Deadline for applications: August 31, 2026.
Interested candidates may contact Dr. Tobias Korn (korn@ios-regensburg.de) in case of questions.
IOS Regensburg is an equal opportunity employer. The IOS strives for a balanced gender ratio in all employee groups. The institute is also committed to improving the compatibility of family and work. We also encourage people with non-German citizenship and a migration background to apply.
All submitted data on your person will be deleted at the latest six months after finishing the selection process.

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