PhD opportunities at ZEW

University graduates who start their scientific career at ZEW can achieve their doctorate in different ways. Whichever path is taken: Clear milestones ensure a safe and speedy progress of our doctoral students. The doctoral candidates are given extensive opportunities to further their education in doctoral courses at universities and in ZEW’s own courses. In addition to courses, seminars and research for their own qualification and dissertation, the doctoral candidates are involved in project work for scientifically sound economic policy advice. The duration of the doctoral studies at ZEW is on average about four and a half years and thus corresponds to that at universities.

The following two paths lead to a doctorate at ZEW:

• Position in a ZEW research unit with doctoral studies at the University of Mannheim
  
  In this variant, ZEW cooperates with the Center for Doctoral Studies in Economics (CDSE) in the economics graduate program as well as with the Center for Doctoral Studies in Business (CDSB) in the business-oriented graduate program of the University of Mannheim.
  
  During the first year, doctoral students devote most of their time to their required courses at CDSE or CDSB.
  
  >> more about the PhD opportunity in a ZEW research unit and the University of Mannheim

• Position in a ZEW Research Unit with doctoral studies at other universities
  
  In this option, doctoral candidates are involved in project work at ZEW from the first year onwards via a research position with full-time employment.
  
  >> more about the doctoral option in a ZEW research unit and other university

What we offer our PhD students

• Academic doctoral training at the highest scientific level
• Research at a leading international economic research institute
• Insights into policy-relevant topics, projects and networks outside academia
• Support during the doctoral studies by experienced scientists
• Excellent workstation equipment and access to unique databases
• Support in publishing research results
• Communication of relevant research results to policy makers and the interested public
• Participation in national and international scientific conferences
• Research stays at renowned institutions
• Integration into national and international research networks
• Continuing education, e.g. in-depth courses in project management and data science
• Team-oriented working atmosphere

Have we aroused your interest? Browse job offers and apply now!

Interessensvertretung

The PhD spokespersons represent the interests of the PhD students at ZEW to the management of the institute and organize a regular opportunity for the exchange of PhD students. They represent the interests of the institute in the PhD network of the Leibniz Association and bring suggestions from there to the institute. In addition, they are the contact persons for applicants with questions concerning the doctoral process at ZEW. The current spokespersons are Paul Berbée and Caroline Knebel. Contact address: