Research Specialists (m/f/d), part-time 10%
The Kiel Institute for the World Economy seeks applications for several part-time positions (10% each) as Research Specialist (subject to project approval). The positions are part of a new Leibniz-funded transfer project on AI and structural economic models for economic policy. You can work remotely, with occasional project meetings in Berlin.
Your Role
Research Specialists bring expertise that the core team does not cover, in models or in AI. Each specialist contributes expertise in one model family or in AI, helps assess results and works with policy partners. Examples:
- Quantitative macroeconomic modeling: DSGE and HANK models (e.g., MacroModelling.jl, Dynare) for monetary and fiscal policy.
- Quantitative trade modeling: new quantitative trade models and CGE models for trade and industrial policy.
- Public economics: tax-benefit microsimulation and heterogeneous-agent models for fiscal and distributional policy.
- Quantitative spatial economics: models of regional and urban economies for regional and infrastructure policy.
- Climate and energy economics: integrated assessment and energy system models for climate and energy policy.
- AI and economics: design and evaluate the use of large language models with quantitative economic models, for example in international trade.
Other profiles in quantitative economic modeling or AI are welcome.
Your Profile
- A PhD in economics or a related quantitative field.
- Proven expertise in quantitative economic modeling or in the use of AI/LLMs in quantitative economics, documented by publications or software.
- Experience developing research software.
- Very good English.
- Experience developing model toolkits or LLM-based research tools is an asset.
- Experience evaluating LLM systems (benchmarks, adversarial tests) is an asset.
We are offering
The contracts cover 10% of a full-time position each. They start in February or March 2027 and run until the end of the project (up to 36 months). The salary follows the German public sector pay scale (TV-L E13), pro rata. The position can be combined with a main position elsewhere, subject to that employer’s approval.
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.
For this position, you must either be an EU citizen or hold a work permit that is valid for the entire duration of the contract. Please familiarize yourself with the process for applying for a work permit and the relevant requirements before applying. Please also note that the application process can take up to three months.
Please submit your application online using ID-No. “SHAIRPA_Specialist”. Please include (i) a letter of interest that describes the expertise you would contribute, (ii) your CV, as well as (iii) a list of publications and/or software. The deadline for applications is 30 November 2026 (23:59 CET). Application photos should not be included.
For additional information, please contact Prof. Dr. Julian Hinz.
