Junior Researcher/ Predoc – Industrial Policy Lab

The Kiel Institute for the World Economy is seeking a

Junior Researcher/ Predoc – Industrial Policy Lab

We are looking for a highly motivated Junior Researcher to join our dynamic research team. We are looking for a full-time position with the option to be based either at our main location in Kiel or our Research Hub in Berlin. The position is designed for individuals passionate about data analysis and research who are eager to contribute to impactful, cutting-edge projects in the fields of economics, public policy, and social sciences. 

This role offers an exciting opportunity for recent Master’s graduates in economics, data science, public policy, statistics, or related fields to gain valuable research experience. As a Junior Researcher, you will be part of the Industrial Policy Lab working directly with a team of data scientists and economists on policy-related research projects that involve advanced data analysis and economic modeling. The position involves extensive work with large and unstructured data on economic policies aiming at harnessing these data for research and policy work. This role offers an excellent opportunity to build key research skills, contribute to a first research project, engage in a frontier research environment, and advance a career in data science and economic research.

Your Profile

We are seeking candidates who meet the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree in economics or a related field (completed or close to completion)
• Strong quantitative skills and a passion for data analysis and economic research
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and creativity in tackling research challenges
• Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and a commitment to high-quality research
• Familiarity with machine learning techniques or computational methods for text and data analysis is appreciated 

The working language of our research team is English; therefore, proficiency in English is essential. While not mandatory, knowledge of German is a plus

We are offering

The position offers competitive compensation in line with the German public sector pay scale (grade EG 13 TV-L), along with the opportunity to participate in the Kiel Institute’s vibrant academic community. The position is limited to the period from 01.02.2026, to 30.09.2026. The employment is subject to final approval of the budgetary funds required for the position.

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. We strive for equal participation of women in all employee groups. Professional gender equality is guaranteed. The Kiel Institute is an equal opportunity employer with a certified family-friendly policy. We are committed to employing persons with recognized disabilities and will therefore give them preference over persons without disabilities if they are equally qualified. We welcome all applications, regardless of nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, age and sexual orientation.

How to apply

Please submit your application online, using your family name as the file name, including a letter of interest, your CV, academic transcripts, a writing sample (e.g. a Master thesis), as well as proofs of relevant work experience (ID-No. “11_25_IP_Lab_JR_01”). The deadline for applications is the 31st of December 2025. Application photos should not be included. 

For additional information, please contact Anika Bender.

• full-time position, based either in Kiel or Berlin
• German public sector pay scale at grade EG 13 TV-L
• position limited to the period from 01.02.2026, to 30.09.2026
• ID-No. “11_25_IP_Lab_JR_01”
• Deadline for applications: December 31, 2025