Junior Researcher / PreDoc
The Kiel Institute for the World Economy seeks applications for a position as Junior Researcher / PreDoc.
We are looking for a highly motivated Junior Researcher to join our dynamic research team at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. The position is full-time and will be based at our Research Hub in Berlin. The position is linked to a research project on the macroeconomic effects of defense spending and military mobilization, with a particular focus on historical evidence and archival data.
Your Role
Your main role will be to contribute to cutting-edge research on the macroeconomic effects of defense spending, military buildups, and geopolitical shocks. The work will involve extensive data collection and empirical analysis using historical and contemporary sources. A particular focus of the position will be archival research and the construction of novel datasets from historical records and documents.
As part of Moritz Schularick’s research team, you will work closely with senior researchers on high-impact projects in macroeconomics, economic history, and political economy. The position offers an excellent opportunity to gain advanced research experience, develop strong empirical skills, and contribute to internationally visible academic work.
Your Profile
We are looking for a candidate who meets the following criteria:
- Master’s degree in economics,
- Strong quantitative and empirical skills and a keen interest in macroeconomic research.
- Experience with data analysis and statistical software such as Stata, R, or Python.
- Interest in historical research and archival work; previous experience with archival sources or historical datasets is an asset.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an international research environment.
- Excellent analytical and organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to high-quality research.
- The working language of the research team is English; therefore, excellent English skills are required. Given the archival component of the project, very good German language skills are also expected.
We are offering
The position is scheduled to start on September 1, 2026, and is limited to one year. The salary will be based on the German public sector pay scale at grade EG 13 TV-L. The position is full-time.
The Kiel Institute for the World Economy values diversity. We welcome applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The Kiel Institute is an equal opportunity employer with a certified family-friendly policy. We promote the professional opportunities of women and strongly encourage them to apply. Women with equivalent qualifications, competence and expertise will be given preference. We are committed to employing persons with recognized disabilities and will therefore give them preference over persons without disabilities if they are equally qualified.
In order to be eligible for this position you have to hold EU citizenship or need to be able to provide a work permit that is valid throughout the time of your contract.
Please submit your application online using ID-No. “06_26_Macro_JR_01”. Please include (i) a letter of interest, (ii) your CV, (ii) two research papers (iii) university transcripts, as well as (iv) proofs of relevant work experience. Ideally submit just one PDF, including “PreDoc” and your family name as file name. The deadline for applications is the 26th of June 2026. Application photos should not be included.
For additional information, please contact Prof. Moritz Schularick.
