Research Associate / Assistant & PhD student for Innovation Economics and Management (gn*)

A highly motivated PhD student or postdoctoral researcher with a strong interest in conducting rigorous, high-impact research in innovation economics and management. The successful candidate is ambitious, intellectually curious, and committed to publishing in leading international journals.
We are looking for a candidate who is highly dedicated, enjoys working on challenging research questions, and is eager to develop and apply advanced quantitative methods. 
 
Research topic
The position focuses on individual decision-making regarding in innovation, particularly on biases in the evaluation of novel ideas. The research examines systematic errors in how individuals assess ideas for innovative products and processes, and how such biases affect innovation outcomes. 
This research will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Christina Raasch. The successful candidate will be part of her group, which focuses on idea creation and idea evaluation in innovation. 
This research is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

• Excellent academic degree (Master’s for PhD applicants; PhD for postdoctoral applicants) in Economics, Management / Strategy / Innovation,  Psychology, or a  related discipline 
• Strong academic performance and very good grades 
• Interest in innovation, strategy, and organizational decision-making 
• Strong analytical abilities, solid quantitative skills or strong willingness and ability to acquire them 
• High level of motivation and commitment to academic research 
• Excellent written and spoken English skills

Admission and Eligibility
Admission to the program is competitive and based on the applicant’s excellence as well as the match in research interest. We encourage you to apply immediately, since the reviews of applicants and the selection start upon receipt of applications. Evaluation of the applications is done on a rolling basis as they are submitted.

• To be considered for admission, applicants must meet these minimum requirements:
• Completed or about to complete a Master’s degree or equivalent (300 ECTS) from an accredited university with a good international reputation with the German grade 2.0 or better. Grade equivalents are required for international applicants.
• English language proficiency according to KLU requirements (if the official language of the previous degree wasn’t English)

Full details about the application procedure can be found here. You should submit:

• Cover letter (incl. name of the member of the resident faculty who is willing to act as your supervisor).
• Research statement.
• Video statement (max. 3 minutes).
• A full resume (CV).
• Two references (with full contact details).
• Evidence of your English proficiency according to KLU requirements  (if the official language of the previous degree wasn’t English).
• Bachelor’s degree certificate and full transcript of records
• Master’s degree certificate and full transcript of records
• Diploma Supplements (if available)
• University grading system information (required for degrees obtained outside
• Germany)
• Official translations of all degree documents and transcripts of records not issued in English or German
• Quality indicators for your individual excellence (e.g., prizes, scholarships),
• Excellence in your program (e.g., class rank, thesis grade/rank), and your university(e.g., university rankings)

PhD
KLU supports the scientific employee in writing a dissertation on the research topic. As a state-recognized university, KLU has the right to award doctoral degrees. The dissertation is usually done cumulatively on the basis of three scientific papers.

We offer an attractive salary and a personal, annual research budget to cover research-related costs (e.g., conference visits, research colloquia, hardware and software). In addition, tuition fees for doctoral studies at KLU are waived. KLU guarantees very good working conditions, a very positive working atmosphere, as well as a dedicated team and an international environment with a high degree of creative freedom. The position is planned for four years. At KLU, you will work with open-minded and ambitious colleagues in an international, multicultural atmosphere at the attractive HafenCity location. Part of the research can be conducted in collaboration with a research partner abroad.
 
We value diversity
We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion and belief, disability, age and sexual orientation, and identity.

We look forward to receiving your complete application (cover letter, resume, relevant certificates). Please submit your application to us via email at klu-jobs@m.personio.de or through the 'Apply' button.

If you have any questions, please contact hr@klu.org. For questions regarding qualifications and requirements concerning the advertised vacancy, please contact the supervisor Prof. Dr. Christina Raasch directly, christina.raasch@klu.org. For further questions on the PhD program please see: https://www.the-klu.org/degree-programs/choose-your-program/doctoral-program-phd/.

The application deadline is 24.05.2026. Interviews can be held before the application deadline if needed. The start date could be around Sep 1^st, 2026, but could also be earlier or later, as it is ultimately defined based on the availability of the successful candidate.