Research Assistant (m/f/div)

The Kiel Institute for the World Economy (Kiel Institute) is seeking a

Research Assistant (m/f/div)

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 to construct a new address data-based amenity index.

Our project lies at the intersection of spatial economics and political economy. It aims to depict the development of local public infrastructure and amenities in Germany over the past decades. We combine novel data from German phonebooks and digital maps to provide academia, policymakers and the general public with detailed information on how local life changed over the past decades. Example questions we want to answer are: “How did social institutions (e.g. local associations) develop?”, “How did the local health infrastructure develop?” “How did these developments influence political opinions?” 

This is a unique opportunity for students in data science, economics, or related subjects to apply their theoretical knowledge to a highly topical research project and gain initial experience in cutting-edge scientific research. As a full member of a young, dynamic team, you will primarily work empirically. You will work at the interface between research, administration, and politics. 

Your Role:

• Setting up an infrastructure to categorize granular observations from large data sets 
• Independently thinking of possible useful categories to analyze the data.
• Sort and aggregate data into broad categories and administrative levels (such as postal codes or municipalities)
• Collaborating on writing scientific articles (short reports, economic policy articles or academic papers).
• Creating and delivering presentations for communication with external stakeholders.

Your Profile

• Enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in data science, 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 spatial economics, particularly urban economics
• Experience in working with data sets and statistical software (ideally R; alternatively, Python).
• Experience in working with Natural Language Processing (NLP) and/or Large Language Models (LLM)
• Preferably experience in working with Command Line Interface Artificial Intelligence (CLI AI) such as Codex, Claude Code, Gemini CLI
• 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: €15,20 per hour for those without a bachelor's degree, and €16,20 per hour for those with one. The contract will be for one year, with the option to extend. We aim to fill the position as early as possible.

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. “03_26_NewHouse_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 02.04.2026. Application photos should not be included.

The submission of an application photo is expressly waived.

For additional information, please contact Jonas Zdrzalek.

The Kiel Institute for the World Economy attaches great importance to diversity. We welcome all applications, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation. The Kiel Institute is an employer that promotes equal opportunities and pursues a certified family-friendly policy. We promote career opportunities for women and strongly encourage them to apply. Women with equivalent qualifications, skills, and expertise will be given preference. The Kiel Institute is committed to employing people with disabilities. Therefore, severely disabled applicants and those of equivalent status will be given preference if they are suitably qualified.

• Research Assistant to construct a new address data-based amenity index
• approximately 40 hours per month
• Please submit your application until April 2, 2026
• ID-No. “03_26_NewHouse_Hiwi_01”