Doctoral Student / Research Assistant in Behavioural Economics (f/m/x) | Department Corporate Development | Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences University of Cologne in Germany

The University of Cologne, one of Europe's largest and oldest universities, is seeking a Doctoral Student / Research Assistant in Behavioural Economics for its Department of Corporate Development within the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences. The department specializes in management, strategy, organizational design, entrepreneurship, human resources, and business ethics, offering a vibrant research and teaching environment.

The position focuses on conducting research in behavioural ethics and ethical decision-making, with a particular emphasis on economic experiments involving human-AI interaction and decision-making in immersive virtual environments. The successful candidate will present research findings at international conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and work towards a PhD by completing a cumulative dissertation based on research papers. Teaching responsibilities include providing assistance in corporate development and/or business ethics (up to 3 hours per week during the semester) and supervising Bachelor’s theses.

Applicants should possess a university degree in business administration, computer science, economics, psychology, philosophy, or a related discipline. Essential qualities include strong scientific curiosity, academic orientation, interests in behavioural economics, business ethics, and bounded ethicality, as well as experience with quantitative research methods. Motivation to translate research into practice, enthusiasm for teaching and supervision, and high proficiency in English are required; fluency in German is advantageous but not mandatory.

The University of Cologne offers an excellent, collaborative environment for high-quality research, diverse working conditions with equal opportunities, support for balancing work and family life, advanced training opportunities, occupational health management, flexible working time models, and the possibility to work remotely. The position is part-time (29.87 hours per week), available from 01.09.2026, and fixed-term until 31.08.2029. Salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the German public sector pay scale.

Applications are welcomed from all suitable candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or identity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (LGG NRW).

To apply, submit your application online via the University of Cologne job portal, referencing position number Wiss2605-12, and include proof of required qualifications (no photo). The application deadline is 14 June 2026. For further inquiries, contact Professor Dr Bernd Irlenbusch at [email protected].