Research Assistant for the real estate research project GREIX

The Kiel Institute is seeking a  

Research Assistant

The Kiel Institute aims to be Europe’s preeminent research institute for global economic affairs, combining cutting-edge research on par with leading economics departments with visible and lasting policy impact on the national and international level. 

We are looking for a highly motivated research assistant to work approximately 40 hours per month on our renowned “German Real Estate Index (GREIX)” research project. While the project team is based in Berlin, working from home is possible. 

GREIX is a highly relevant research project with significant media visibility that aims to promote transparency in the German real estate market. We combine data from notarised transaction databases with rental offer data to provide academia, policymakers and the general public with up-to-date information on the German real estate market. We also conduct comprehensive economic research on real estate markets.

This is a unique opportunity for economics or related subjects students to apply their theoretical knowledge to a highly topical research project on real estate markets and gain initial experience in cutting-edge scientific research. As a full member of a young, dynamic team of macroeconomists, you will primarily work empirically. You will work at the interface between administration, research, education and politics. You will have the opportunity to write a thesis as part of your employment, with the support of the project team.

Your Role

• Supporting the regular updating of real estate market indices (especially rental and sales prices)
• Collaborating on creating real estate market indices for cities new to the research project.
• Creating and delivering presentations for communication with external stakeholders.
• Supporting scientific research on housing markets (e.g. housing affordability or the effect of energy efficiency classes on housing prices).
• Independently developing new real estate market indicators or information that adds value for the public and/or scientific community.
• Collaborating on writing scientific articles (short reports, economic policy articles or academic papers).

Your Profile

• Enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in economics or a related subject; or enrolled in a master's degree program with a relevant bachelor's degree.
• Interest in research topics related to the real estate market, particularly housing markets
• Experience working with data sets and statistical software (ideally Stata; alternatively, R and/or Python).
• Strong written and oral communication skills in German and English (both at least B2 level, preferably C1 level)
• Very good organizational skills, a proactive hands-on approach, independence, and a forward-thinking work style
• Open-minded and confident manner, and excellent communication skills when interacting with external stakeholders, both in writing and in person
• Ability to work well with others, take the initiative, and quickly familiarize yourself with new scientific topics

The position offers competitive remuneration for research assistants: €14 per hour for those without a bachelor's degree, and €15 per hour for those with one. The contract will end no later than 31 December 2028, the official end of the third-party funding for this project. We aim to fill the position by January 2026.

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 people with recognized disabilities and will therefore give them preference over people 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 note that you must be enrolled as a student at a German university for the entire length of your contract.

Please submit your application online using ID-No. “11_25_GREIX_Hiwi_01”. Please include (I) a letter of interest, (II) your CV, (III) university transcripts, as well as (IV) proof of relevant work experience. The deadline for applications is 07.12.2025. Application photos should not be included.

For additional information, please contact Jonas Zdrzalek.

• 40 hours per month
• €14 per hour for those without a bachelor's degree, €15 per hour for those with one
• ID-No. “11_25_GREIX_Hiwi_01”
• Deadline for applications: December 7, 2025