Research Assistant (m/f/d) (Ph.D. Candidate)

The Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am Main is one of the largest universities in Germany with around 44,000 students and with about 5,700 employees. Founded in 1914 by Frankfurt citizens and since 2008 once again proud of its foundation status Goethe University possesses a high degree of autonomy, modernity and professional diversity. As a com-prehensive university, the Goethe University offers a total of 16 departments on five campuses and 154 degree programs along with an outstanding research reputation. Furthermore, the Goethe University is part of the Group of Rhine-Main-Universities (RMU).

The "Center for Critical Computational Studies" (C³S) is an interdisciplinary scientific facility and, as such, a central research center of Goethe University (www.c3s-frankfurt.de). The mission of C³S is to establish and enhance the profile of "Critical Computational Studies" as an inter- and transdisciplinary research field with international visibility. In this context, the C³S engages in teaching and research as well as knowledge transfer. As an interdisciplinary scientific facility of Goethe University, the center provides opportunities to bring together researchers from all departments, academic cultures, disciplines, and thematic areas within the context of "Critical Computational Studies," as well as to network nationally and internationally. The C³S commits itself to scientific excellence and adheres to guidelines for good scientific practice, as well as fostering and promoting early independence of researchers in the early stages of their careers.

At the Center for Critical Computational Studies, a full-time position for a Research Assistant (m/f/d) (Ph.D. Candidate) (E 13 TV-G-U) is to be filled starting 01.10.2025 for a fixed duration of three years. The salary grade is based on the job characteristics of the collective agreement applicable to Goethe University (TV-G-U).

Your tasks include, among others:

• Participation in research and teaching at the Chair of Environmental Economics with a thematic focus on climate change and sustainability
• Independent scientific research on the consequences of climate change, adaptation to climate change, and sustainable development
• Application and further development of empirical quantitative methods in social sciences, particularly causal inference, statistics, econometrics, and machine learning/AI
• Participation in the development of economic and interdisciplinary models for studying human-environment interactions in the context of climate change and sustainability
• Collaboration in teaching and research in Environmental Economics
• Conducting research in the field of Environmental Economics
• Teaching obligations in accordance with university law

We expect from you:

• A completed academic degree (Master's or equivalent) with very good or good grades in economics, sustainability science, mathematics, computer science, physics, geosciences, or related disciplines
• Experience in applying methods of empirical quantitative social science research, particularly statistics and econometrics, as well as a strong interest in environmental economics
• Knowledge and experience in handling and analyzing large datasets
• Knowledge in the field of climate change and sustainable development
• Very good programming skills (e. g., Python, R, Stata, C++)
• High affinity for interdisciplinary work (demonstrated, e. g., through a Master's thesis, internship, etc.) at the intersection of economics or social sciences and another field (e. g., geosciences or natural sciences)
• Willingness to cooperate within a new team
• Willingness to undertake business travel (e. g., conferences)
• Ability for conceptual, strategic, and analytical thinking
• Very good written and spoken English language skills, and, if applicable, willingness to learn German (basic knowledge of German is advantageous)

Additionally desirable are:

• Experience applying statistical methods, particularly methods of causal inference
• Knowledge of machine learning or artificial intelligence methods
• International experience and experience in international research environments (demonstrated, for example, through study abroad or participation in international conferences/workshops)

Goethe University, as a family-friendly employer, offers flexible working time models, its own collective agreement, and currently a free state ticket for public transportation within the state of Hessen. The workplace is located on the Westend campus, one of the most modern and attractive university campuses in Germany, situated in the heart of the city of Frankfurt am Main, with park-like surroundings and good public transportation connections.

The Goethe University is committed to a policy of providing equal employment opportunities for both men and women alike, and therefore encourages particularly women to apply for the position/s offered. Individuals with severe disability will be prioritized in case of equal aptitude and ability.

Please send your application by 31.08.2025, together with a cover letter and CV to office@c3s.uni-frankfurt.de. For any questions regarding this position, please contact us by email at office@c3s.uni-frankfurt.de. Please do not send us original documents, as application materials will not be returned. We ask that you submit your application as a single PDF document not exceeding 5 MB. Interviews are expected to take place in September, either onsite or online. Please note that the application documents will not be returned. Costs incurred during the application process will not be reimbursed by Goethe University.