On-Site
Phd candidate
70219-03/24
Mr. Tilo Schneider
RWI − Leibniz Institute for Economic Research is an independent, non-profit research institution headquartered in Essen, Germany. The institute is a leading center for scientific research and evidence-based policy advice in Germany.
RWI’s newly founded Policy Lab “Climate Change, Development and Migration” conducts research on environmental policies, labor markets, and migration in the Global South, as well as, economic integration in the Global North. The policy lab cooperates closely with a wide network of academic partners, governments, and international organizations. The group is also engaged in the meta-science and research transparency debate. The unifying objective is to improve the effectiveness of propoor climate, development and migration policies.
RWI is inviting applications for
a PhD-candidate (m/f/d) (100% for 3 years)
in the new Policy Lab “Climate Change, Development and Migration”.
The position is to work in close collaboration with Prof. Renate Hartwig on a project studying population dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to take a fresh look at culture and demographic change and how these factors shape economic opportunities in the area. To do so, the project combines historic records with novel primary data collected in individual and household surveys, as well as field experiments.
Your tasks will include
• collaborating on exciting and challenging projects at the intersection of population, culture and economics
• supporting the collection and harmonization of existing data
• contributing to the design of novel data collection tools and techniques and their implementation
• collaborating in the data analyses and the subsequent write-up and publication of results
• actively engaging in the academic and policy discourse and outreach
• completing a doctoral degree within RWI’s Ph.D. program
The successful applicant will
• be enthusiastic and have a strong interest in African culture, as well as, family, experimental, and/or behavioral economics and data science
• in addition to a Master’s degree and a strong transcript, have a deep understanding of microeconomic theory and applied econometrics
• have already acquired knowledge in the use of common software as well as statisticaleconometric programs (especially Stata and/or R). Knowledge of geographical information software (e.g. QGIS) is a plus
• have gained first experience in scientific research, for example, with an empirical Master thesis and field work
• have a very good command of English. Knowledge of French, Portuguese or an African language is a plus
• enjoy working independently, as well as working in an intercultural and interdisciplinary team
• be an effective communicator with a high level of self-initiative, creativity and problemsolving skills
• a vibrant research environment, encouraging innovative and ambitious research ideas
• an extensive international and interdisciplinary network in the aforementioned subject areas and the facilitation of research stays abroad
• a variety of activities in a dynamic research environment with many opportunities for outreach, scientific exchange and cooperation
• strong support to present research results at international conferences and publishing in leading academic journals
• a wide range of continuing education opportunities, including the possibility to participate in summer schools and graduate courses, including those offered by the Ruhr Graduate School in Economics
• a short cover letter (in English) outlining your interests and motivation
• CV
• relevant transcripts and diplomas
• a writing sample (e.g. master thesis, seminar paper etc.)
• at least one letter of reference
starting in September 2024. Details can be arranged in consultation with the candidate. The remuneration and benefits are based on the
German public service pay scale (100% TV-L E13). Compliance with the guidelines for the disabled and the provisions of the law on part-
time work are guaranteed. We promote equality of all genders.
plication procedure, please contact Mr. Tilo Schneider (humanresources@rwi-essen.de). To apply, please send your application, preferably
also by e-mail, quoting the reference number 70219-03/24 until April 30, 2024 to
RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research
Mr. Tilo Schneider
PO Box 10 30 54, 45030 Essen
humanresources@rwi-essen.de
For more information on the Institute, please visit http://www.rwi-essen.de
Please note, when you submit your application by email your data will be unencrypted, which may result in third parties to note and falsify your documents. Therefore, you can also submit your application by post.
Hohenzollernstraße 1-3
45128 Essen , Germany