ISI Junior Research Group Leader in Wealth Inequality Research; m​/f​/x

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.

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:

in Munich

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• Remuneration is based on the provisions of the German public-sector collective agreement…