Doctoral Student / Research Assistant in Behavioural Economics (f/m/x) - Köln

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

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

The Department of Coporate Development focuses in its research and teaching on the management, strategy and design of organizations. Central areas of the department are entrepreneurship, organization, human resources, strategy, and business ethics.

YOUR TASKS
» conduct research in the field of behavioural ethics and ethical decision-making, especially using economic experiments on human-AI interaction and decision-making in immersive virtual environments
» present research findings at international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed international journals
» work towards a PhD by completing a cumulative dissertation based on research papers
» teach and provide teaching assistance in corporate development and/or business ethics, with up to 3 hours per week (3 semester unit hours) during the semester
» supervise Bachelor‘s theses

YOUR PROFILE
» university degree in business administration, computer science, economics, psychology, philosophy or a related discipline
» strong scientific curiosity and academic orientation
» interests in behavioural economics, business ethics, and bounded ethicality
» interests in applying experimental economics methods to ethics question of human-AI interaction or immersive virtual environments
» experience with and interest in quantitative research methods
» motivation to put research into practice and contribute to meaningful organizational changes
» enthusiasm for teaching and supervising students
» high proficiency in English; fluency in German is an advantage but not required

WE OFFER
» an excellent, collaborative environment for high-quality research
» a diverse working environment with equal opportunities
» support in balancing work and family life
» extensive advanced training opportunities
» occupational health management offers
» flexible working time models
» opportunity to work remotely

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available from 01.09.2026 on a part-time basis (29,87 hours per week). The position is to be filled for a fixed term until 31.08.2029. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary will be based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.
Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications without a photo under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The reference number is Wiss2605-12. The application deadline is 14.06.2026.
For further inquiries, please contact Professor Dr Bernd Irlenbusch (irlenbusch@wiso.uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs.