Research Assistant (m/f/d) Political Economy & Geoeconomics

The Kiel Institute for the World Economy is seeking a  

Research Assistant (Student Position)
Political Economy & Geoeconomics 

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 (Hiwi) to support ongoing empirical research projects starting in February or March 2026. The position is designed for students interested in gaining hands-on experience in data-driven economic research.

This is a unique opportunity for students of economics or related fields to deepen their empirical toolkit and apply their theoretical knowledge to current research topics in political economy and geoeconomics. You will work as part of a young and dynamic team of researchers and contribute directly to ongoing scientific projects led by Cathrin Mohr.

Your Role

• Preparing, cleaning, and structuring datasets for empirical research
• Working with statistical software (Stata, R, or Python)
• Supporting the research group’s ongoing projects and data workflows
• Conducting literature searches on topics in political economy and international economics

Your Profile

• Enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program at a German university (mandatory)
• Strong interest in economics, political economy, or geoeconomics
• Experience working with data and statistical software (Stata, R, or Python) is highly welcome
• Reliable, proactive, and able to work independently with great attention to detail
• EU citizenship or a valid work permit for the full contract duration

What We Offer

• 6 working hours per week (about 24 hours per month)
• €14 per hour for those without a bachelor's degree, and €15 per hour for those with one
• Initial contract for 6 months, extension possible
• Flexible working arrangements; preferred locations are Berlin or Hamburg, remote work possible
• Integration into a leading research environment in political economy
• Insights into cutting-edge empirical research and the opportunity to advance your analytical skills
• A friendly, supportive, and international team culture

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.

Please submit your application online until the 12^th of January 2026 using ID-No. “12_25_Mohr_Hiwi_01”. Please include (I) a letter of interest indicating which relevant experience you bring to this job and what you hope to learn, (II) your CV, and (III) university transcripts. Application photos should not be included.

You can send your application in German or English. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting on January 1st, 2026.

For additional information, please contact Cathrin Mohr. 

• Research Assistant for ongoing empirical research projects
• 6 working hours per week (about 24 hours per month)
• Please submit your application until January 12, 2026
• ID-No. “12_25_Mohr_Hiwi_01”