The ZEW – Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research in Mannheim, Germany is one of the leading economic research institutes in Europe. The ZEW is a non-profit organization and works in the field of frontierempirical economic research and high-level policy advice. It is integrated into an extensive national and international network of universities and research institutes. The ZEW is looking to fill the following position in the Research Unit “Labour Economics”

6-Year Postdoc with Tenure Option (f/m/d, 100%) Social Insurance

As a successful applicant, you will contribute to the unit’s research agenda and its economic policy advising projects. The new hire will become a member of the research area “Structural Change and Social Insurance.” Hence, applicants' research should focus on social insurance or health-related aspects of work. Candidates should have a strong interest in theory-based, empirical or experimental analyses. Candidates will develop their independent research agenda and career plan, publish in international top journals, and provide research-based policy advice. There are no teaching requirements.

Candidates should have excellent writing skills. Fluency in English is required; command of German is a plus but not required. Candidates must receive a Ph.D. by September 2027 and demonstrate the potential to achieve excellence in research.

We offer a full-time position for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension for another three plus one year. After six years, ZEW offers the possibility of a permanent contract in Germany’s public sector.

Remuneration is based on the TV-L statutory salary scale (EG 13) and its associated public sector benefits. German law provides extensive parental leave, mandated access to low-cost childcare from age 1, and universal kindergarten from age 3. Paid sick leave is available at 100% of the salary for up to 6 weeks, followed by paid medical leave. ZEW offers 30 days of fully paid vacation. Social insurance is very generous in an international comparison.

IF INTERESTED, please submit your application (including a cover letter, a research statement, a CV, 2 reference letters, and the job market paper) via the online application form on our website. Reference letters can be submitted through EconJobMarket platform. Interviews will take place online before the December holidays. Please submit your application by 30 November 2026 exclusively via the online application form on our website.
Contact: HR Miriam Charles
Unit Head Prof. Dr. Nicolas R. Ziebarth
ZEW website www.zew.de/en

Date 20.10.2026

Keyword
PostDoc_AM_10_26

Department/s
Labour Markets and Social Insurance

Application end
30.11.2026

Contact
Miriam Charles

ZEW – Leibniz-Centre for European Research
L7, 1 · 68161 Mannheim · Germany
www.zew.de

The ZEW – Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research has been awarded the TOTAL E-QUALITY title. This title recognises the institute as an employer that is particularly committed to ensuring equal opportunity in the workplace. Our institute supports and integrates all employees. We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity and social background, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.