Doctoral Researchers in the DFG Graduate Program “Collective Decision-Making” (12 positions) University of Hamburg in Germany

The University of Hamburg invites applications for 12 doctoral researcher positions in the DFG Graduate Program “Collective Decision-Making.” This interdisciplinary, English-language program is hosted by the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Humanities, and is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The program focuses on the descriptive and normative dimensions of collective decision-making, integrating theoretical and empirical research—including experimental methods—across Economics, Philosophy, and Political Science.

Doctoral researchers will participate in a structured qualification program designed to foster specialist disciplinary knowledge and interdisciplinary competence. The research environment encourages innovative contributions, enabling students to engage in advanced theoretical, empirical, and normative reasoning about collective decision-making and to generate new ideas for designing procedures to address complex governance challenges in modern society.

Successful candidates will actively participate in the graduate program, complete the doctoral qualification requirements, and write a dissertation in Economics, Philosophy, or Political Science on a topic related to collective decision-making. Presence in Hamburg is required, except for research-related absences.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Economics, Philosophy, Political Science, or a closely related interdisciplinary program, awarded by a recognized university or equivalent institution. The degree must be completed by the start date, and applicants must have accumulated at least 300 ECTS points (including Bachelor and Master). An excellent command of English is essential. The application requires a curriculum vitae, personal statement, research project outline (about 1000 words), degree certificates and transcripts, two academic reference letters, and a substantial academic writing sample (about 5000 words). Reference letters may be sent separately by mentioning the application reference number 19.

The position offers reliable remuneration at salary level EGR. 13 TV-L, a fixed-term contract for three years (starting 01.11.2026), 75% of standard work hours per week, university pensions, health management, flexible working hours, work-life balance opportunities, educational leave, and 30 days of vacation per annum. The University of Hamburg is committed to equity and diversity, welcoming applications from all backgrounds and giving preference to severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications.

Applications must be submitted online as a single PDF via the provided application link. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to online interviews in April or May 2026, with successful candidates notified shortly thereafter. For technical issues, contact [email protected]. The application deadline is 31 March 2026.

For further information, visit https://www.uni-hamburg.de/cdm or apply directly at https://cockpit.as-mediendesign.de/jump2/118813.