Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Development Economics

The German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) / Leibniz-Institut für Globale und Regionale Studien is an independent social-science research institute based in Hamburg. It analyses political, social and economic developments in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, and links this knowledge to questions of global significance. It combines region-specific analysis with innovative comparative research on accountability and participation, peace and security, globalisation and development, and global orders and foreign policies. The GIGA seeks to appoint a

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (M/F/D)

Development Economics

Applications are invited for a full-time position, with an initial contract of three years and the possibility of another three years after successful evaluation and depending on the availability of funds. The successful applicant should start as soon as possible. The position is designed for further professional qualification as defined in § 2 WissZeitVG (Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act). The salary is commensurate with EG 13 TV-AVH / TVöD.

The successful candidate will work on the economic and political foundations of inclusive and sustainable development matching with and/or complementing the research agenda of GIGA’s research program on “Globalization and Development” (see https://www.giga-hamburg.de/en/the-giga/research-programmes/globalisation-and-development). Research on the economic and political impacts of geo-economic fragmentation and geo-politics in the GIGA study regions are particularly welcome. The successful candidate will become member of the GIGA’s Research Programme on “Globalisation and Development” (RP 3) and one of GIGA’s regional institutes.

The candidate is expected to conduct excellent research with real world relevance and, accordingly, to participate in knowledge exchange and outreach activities (media engagement, policy advisory activities). There are no teaching obligations for this position, but it will be possible to teach at one of GIGA’s partner universities.

Mandatory qualifications:

• A doctoral degree (or advanced PhD studies) in Economics or Political Economy.
• Emerging track record in top general economics or field journals on the GIGA study regions.
• Proven proficiency of state-of-the-art quantitative methods.
• Fluency in English.

Desired qualifications:

• A focus on geo-economics and/or geo-politics.
• Experience with, or in interest in, policy exchange and knowledge transfer activities.
• Field research experience in the GIGA study regions.
• Fluency in German and/or a language of the region.

Part-time options will be considered, if so desired by the successful candidate. Diversity and the reconciliation of work and family life are of great importance to the institute. The GIGA promotes the equality of all genders. Additionally, we actively encourage applications from persons with disabilities.

Please fill out the GIGA application form (found at https://www.giga-hamburg.de/en/career and send it with your full application (Ref.-No. GIGA-25-09) including relevant supporting documentation (short cover letter, CV (max. 3 pages), list of publications (max. 2 pages), research outline (2 pages), other credentials/diplomas/certificates (max. 3 pages)) as one document to the below address. Please also provide two work samples as separate PDFs. Recommendation letters are optional and should be sent directly to the below email address indicating the candidate’s name and the applications reference number in the subject line.

German Institute for Global and Area Studies

Neuer Jungfernstieg 21

Email: jobs-25-09@giga-hamburg.de  (email applications are particularly welcome).

Screening of applications will begin on 18 November 2025.

For further information, please visit the GIGA homepage (www.giga-hamburg.de) or contact Prof. Dr. Jann Lay (email: jann.lay@giga-hamburg.de). 

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