Data Scientist (m/f/d)

The Kiel Institute for the World Economy is Germany’s leading research institute for international economic affairs and ranks among the most highly regarded institutions in Europe and worldwide. It combines research at the level of leading universities with a visible and lasting influence on international economic policy.

For our research project New House, we are seeking a Data Scientist (m/f/d) to start as soon as possible. This part-time position is based in Berlin and comprises 25.8 hours per week (two-thirds of a full-time position). The appointment is fixed-term until 31 December 2027.

How are property prices and local living conditions changing in Germany? In the New House project, we develop datasets to study these changes and make the findings accessible to researchers, policymakers and the public. You will help build a consistent and largely automated data infrastructure for the German Real Estate Index (GREIX) and further develop an infrastructure and amenity index using historical telephone directory data and digital maps.

Your responsibilities

Data infrastructure and automation for GREIX

• You will design and implement a database management system for GREIX property transaction data and develop consistent, transparent data storage structures.
• You will integrate heterogeneous data deliveries into a common data model and develop automated procedures for data ingestion, harmonisation and quality checks.
• You will build reusable data pipelines that enable additional cities to be incorporated and regular updates to be carried out largely automatically.

Further development of the infrastructure and amenity index

• You will further develop the existing dataset and extract additional information from historical telephone directory data and digital maps.
• You will develop and test methods for the automated classification and clustering of entries, for example using natural language processing or large language models.
• You will aggregate the results into indicators that are comparable across locations and over time, and assess their quality and plausibility.

Across both areas, you will document data models, processing steps and results, and work closely with the research team. The main focus will be on the GREIX data infrastructure. The balance between the two areas will depend on project needs.

Your profile

Essential qualifications

• A completed master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science or a related field, or an equivalent university qualification.
• Initial practical experience in data science, data engineering or database management, for example through a student research assistant role, a research assistant position or an internship.
• Good programming skills in Python and/or R, together with knowledge of SQL and database management.
• Experience in the automated processing of large or heterogeneous datasets and the development of transparent, reproducible data pipelines.
• Very good written and spoken German and English, both at a minimum of C1 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• An independent, structured and thorough approach to work, and the ability to explain technical issues clearly and address them collaboratively.

Desirable qualifications

• Experience with natural language processing, large language models or clustering methods.
• Experience with spatial, historical or unstructured data.
• Knowledge of version control, particularly Git, and an interest in economic research questions.

What we offer

You will take responsibility for technical tasks within an economic research project and help shape a data infrastructure for recurring analyses and the expansion of the underlying datasets. You will work closely with an interdisciplinary research team.

Remuneration will be in accordance with pay grade 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the German States (TV-L), subject to fulfilment of the applicable requirements. The position is based in Berlin, comprises 25.8 hours per week and is fixed-term until 31 December 2027. We aim to fill the position as soon as possible.

The Kiel Institute for the World Economy places great importance on diversity. We welcome applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The Kiel Institute is an equal opportunities employer with a certified family-friendly policy. We promote women’s career opportunities and strongly encourage women to apply. Women with equivalent qualifications, skills and expertise will be given preference. The Kiel Institute is committed to employing people with disabilities. Applicants with severe disabilities and those with equivalent legal status will therefore be given preferential consideration if suitably qualified.

For this position, you must either hold EU citizenship or have a work permit valid for the entire duration of the contract. Before applying, please familiarise yourself with the procedure for obtaining a work permit and the relevant requirements. Please also note that the application process can take up to three months.

Please apply online, using your surname as the file name, and include (i) a cover letter, (ii) your CV, (iii) your academic certificates and (iv) evidence of relevant practical experience. Please do not include an application photograph.

Reference number: 10_26_Data_Scientist_GREIX_01. Application deadline: 20. November 2026.

For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Jonas Zdrzalek.