Three Research Assistants in Geoeconomics (m/f/div)
The Kiel Institute for the World Economy is seeking three Research Assistants in Geoeconomics (m/f/div). We are looking for up to three highly motivated research assistants to support our research in geoeconomics. Research topics will include economic security, trade coercion and fragmentation, industrial policy, the design and evasion of sanctions, global financial flows, economic aid, the climate and energy transition, and defense economics, among others.
In this role, you will work closely with advanced Ph.D. students and postdoctoral scholars from the Next-Geo program to assist them with their research projects.
More information about the program can be found here.
Your Role
As a research assistant, you will play an important role in assisting members of the Next-Geo cohort of 2026 to develop and finalize their research projects in the field of geoeconomics. To a lesser extent, you may also be involved in project management tasks.
Your responsibilities will include:
Research Assistance
Providing general research assistance for geoeconomic projects led by members of the Next-Geo cohort, the academic team, and senior visiting research fellows. These tasks include:
- Support with data collection and analysis
- Assist in compiling and cleaning datasets
- Assist with documenting research processes and maintaining organized research files and datasets
- Assist with data visualization, tables, and figures for presentations
- Conduct background research on geoeconomic trends, policies, and case studies
- Support the preparation of research reports and policy briefs
- Support the academic team in developing the program’s curriculum and content, e.g. by preparing lectures and presentations, conducting literature and background research, and processing and visualizing data
Project Management
- Assist with day-to-day administrative and organizational tasks
- Help organize seminars, workshops, and other events (both online and in-person), including managing invitations and participants
Your Profile
We seek candidates who bring the following qualifications and experience:
- Enrolled in a Master’s program or in the second half of a Bachelor’s program in a relevant subject, such as Economics, with an excellent academic record. Applicants should intend to remain enrolled as a student for at least one more year
- Strong interest in geoeconomics, including topics such as international trade, economic security, international finance, sanctions, and security and defense
- Fluency in English (minimum C1 level)
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Teams)
- Programming skills in Stata, Python, or QGIS are a plus
- Familiarity with Overleaf (LaTeX) is a plus
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
- Proactive, solution-oriented mindset and attention to detail
We are offering
- Flexible working arrangements; working locations are Kiel, remote or possibly Berlin
- Up to 39,5 hours/month
- Research assistant (without completed Bachelor’s degree): 15,20 €/hour
- Up to 37 hours/month
- Research assistant (with completed Bachelor’s degree): 16,20€/hour
- Fixed-term contract for one year (with the option of extension)
- Planned start: May 2026
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. We welcome all applications, regardless of nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, age and sexual orientation.
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. “2026_Geoeconomics_RA”. Please include (i) a letter of interest, (ii) your CV, (iii) university transcripts, as well as (iv) proof of relevant work experience. Ideally submit just one PDF, including “03_26_Next_Geo_Hiwi_01” and your family name as file name. The deadline for applications is 1st of May 2026. Application photos should not be included.
For additional information, please contact Jonathan Federle.
