ISI Junior Research Group Leader in Wealth Inequality Research (m/f/x)

LMU; München; On-site; EUR 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TV-L remuneration

Job summary

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München invites applications for a Junior Research Group Leader in Wealth Inequality Research at its Munich ISI center. The position supports building a research group and funding to hire up to two PhD students, with a three-year initial term starting in 2027.

The role requires a PhD in sociology/economics, an outstanding publication record, and ability to work across disciplines. Excellent English is required; German is an advantage.

Qualifications

• PhD in sociology/economics with a focus on wealth inequality.
• Track record of high-quality publications.
• Strong collaboration and interdisciplinary mindset.
• Experience in science communication or willingness to engage in this area.
• Ability to work independently and with high motivation.
• Excellent English; German a plus.

Responsibilities

• Produce cutting-edge research on wealth inequality.
• Establish and lead a junior research group.
• Supervise one to two doctoral candidates.
• Teach one seminar in your field per semester.
• Evaluate ISI fellowship applications or the ISI Pipeline Program.
• Contribute to ISI science communication for broader audiences.
• Participate in ISI events and the Wealth Conference.

Skills

PhD required

Publications

Team player

Science communication

Independent work

English proficiency

Education

PhD in sociology or economics

Job description

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München is a leading research university in Europe. Since its founding in 1472 it has been committed to the highest international standards of excellence in research and teaching.

• Institution: Faculty of Social Sciences - ISI - Munich International Stone Center for Inequality Research
• Remuneration group: TV-L
• Full-time / Part-time: Full-time (100%)
• Start date: Between 1 April and 1 December 2027 (initially a 3-year position)

About us:

The Munich International Stone Center for Inequality Research (ISI) conducts interdisciplinary and internationally oriented research on social and economic inequality, with a particular focus on wealth inequality. It brings together the expertise available at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, supports researchers at all career stages, and promotes exchange with leading research institutions in Germany and abroad.

We are looking for a Junior Research Group Leader in Wealth Inequality Research to join and strengthen our research team. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in a social science discipline, has begun to build a research portfolio on wealth and will use this position to substantially advance the field of wealth inequality research. This advance can come from a variety of angles, such as new empirical work, theoretical development, or contributions to data infrastructure. A strong candidate will also share the international and interdisciplinary orientation that is at the heart of our research center. Since this position comes with funding to build a research group, the proposed project should be ambitious in scope. The position is expected to run for an initial three year period, with an option for extension upon review. The position should begin at some point in 2027.

We are looking for you:

ISI Junior Research Group Leader in Wealth Inequality Research (m/f/x)

in Munich

Your tasks and responsibilities:

• Produce cutting-edge research on wealth inequality;
• Establish and lead a junior research group;
• Supervise one to two doctoral candidates;
• Teach one seminar in your field per semester;
• Support ISI activities by, for example, evaluating applications for ISI fellowships or the ISI Pipeline Program;
• Actively contribute to ISI science communication. This includes communicating research findings clearly and accessibly to audiences beyond the academic community;
• Participate in ISI events, including our biannual ISI Wealth Conference.

Your proposed research project

Applicants should submit an ambitious and original proposal (max. 3 pages) for a junior research group that has the potential to advance the field of wealth inequality research significantly. The proposal should:

• Address a major unanswered question or emerging challenge in wealth inequality research and clearly explain the project’s innovative, potentially agenda-setting contribution;
• Present a coherent overarching research topic, including the project’s central research questions, theoretical approach, and expected scientific contribution;
• Outline distinct but closely connected individual research projects for the group leader and one to two doctoral candidates, explaining how the three projects contribute to the group’s overall research agenda;
• Describe the proposed data and methods, anticipated outputs, opportunities for interdisciplinary and international collaboration, and the feasibility of completing the research program within the funding period.

Your qualifications:

• PhD in sociology, economics, or a related field, with a clear focus on wealth inequality research;
• Track record of high-quality publications;
• Strong team player with an interest in interdisciplinary work;
• Experience in science communication or a strong willingness to engage actively in this area;
• Ability to work independently and a high level of commitment and motivation;
• Excellent English skills; German-language ability is an advantage but not a requirement.

Benefits:

• Remuneration is based on the provisions of the German public-sector collective agreement for the federal states (TV-L). Depending on the successful candidate’s qualifications and individual circumstances, the position will be classified at salary grade E 14 or E 15;
• A scientifically challenging and engaging position within an interdisciplinary, research-oriented team;
• Funding to establish a junior research group with up to two PhD positions and a research budget for travel and events;
• Excellent training and professional development opportunities;
• A centrally located, modern workplace in Munich that is easily accessible by public transport and offers innovative spaces for hosting different types of events;
• Flexible working hours and the option to work partly from home (please note that this position cannot be carried out remotely);
• A range of employee benefits, including family services and relocation assistance.

Also possible in a part‑time capacity.

People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.

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Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1
80539 München

www.lmu.de

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