Doctoral Researcher (Ph.D. Candidate) in the area of digital platform ecosystems, especially, but not limited to, research on federated networks

The University of Passau owes its strong visibility and good repute to excellent research, innovative teaching and its tight-knit international academic networks. Some 11,000 students and more than 1,300 staff study and work on our university campus, which is located a stone’s throw from the historical Old Town of Passau and combines state-of-the-art technical infrastructure with award-winning architecture. Internationally successful high-tech companies and a vibrant start-up scene, coupled with a rich culture and Lower Bavarian traditions, give Passau and the surrounding area a special appeal that makes it a great place to live and work.

The Chair of Internet and Telecommunications Business (Professor Jan Krämer) and the DFG Research Training Group 2720 “Digital Platform Ecosystems” (DPE) at the University of Passau invite applications for the position of

Doctoral Researcher
(Ph.D. Candidate)

in the area of digital platform ecosystems, especially, but not limited to, research on federated networks

to start at the earliest convenience.

This is a fully funded full-time position (100% FTE), based on a fixed-term contract with social security and healthcare contributions. Remuneration is in accordance with pay grade E13 of the German public-sector collective agreement, TV-L, and currently ranges from 59.324 € (step 1) to 66.896 € (step 3) annually; the salary step depends on your qualifications and experience. The position is intended to be awarded for three years. Continued employment from October 2028 onward is subject to renewal of project funding.
The successful candidate will become a fully integrated member of the Chair of Internet and Telecommunications Business as well as the research training group DPE, which is an international and interdisciplinary doctoral excellence programme funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Doctoral researchers at DPE are provided with an exceptional research environment at one of the worldwide leading research groups on digital platform ecosystems, including a tailored qualification program, frequent visits by renowned international scholars, and generous funding to advance their research projects (see http://www.dpe.uni passau.de/en/ for details and activities).

What we seek

You are a highly motivated postgraduate with an excellent master’s degree in economics, business administration, economics of information systems, or a related field of study in the social sciences with a quantitative methodological orientation. You can also apply before graduation if you are expecting to finish your degree soon.
Very good analytical skills and knowledge of quantitative methods (e.g., in experimental economic research, game theory, industrial economics, econometrics).
Keen interest in the economics of digital markets and the digital economy. And willingness to approach complex practical problems with analytical methods.
Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team, open-mindedness, and the motivation to work on a research project independently and diligently.
Excellent spoken and written English language skills. Knowledge of German is not a requirement.

What we offer

The opportunity to pursue doctoral study at a renowned German university as part of a particularly strong research team with internationally recognised research activities at the highest scholarly level (see https://www.ibusiness.uni-passau.de/en/research).
Membership in the interdisciplinary Research Training Group 2720 Digital Platform Ecosystems (see http://www.dpe.uni-passau.de/en/ for details and activities) funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).
Your own research budget for conference visits and hiring student workers to assist with research.
No formal teaching obligation but opportunities to participate in and contribute to the Chair’s teaching portfolio.
A tailored and structured doctoral programme; a fully funded research visit abroad, external course programme (summer schools, workshops); co-supervision by international scholars and much more. The research training programme is designed such that students are enabled to complete their doctoral degree within three years.
You will participate regularly in international conferences, become integrated into an international research network and contribute to public discourse on digital platforms.
Excellent infrastructure including IT equipment on one of Germany’s most beautiful university campuses.

How to apply

Please visit www.dpe.uni-passau.de/en/application for details on the application process.
You can apply at any time, as we will be accepting applications until the position is filled.
We will start reviewing received applications on 20th of September 2026. Applications are still possible after this date until the job posting is removed.
This research position is under the primary supervision of Professor Jan Krämer (https://www.ibusiness.uni-passau.de/en/team-members/chair-holder). If you have any further questions, please contact jan.kraemer@uni-passau.de

The University of Passau wishes to increase the proportion of its female staff and expressly encourages women to apply for this position.

The position is suitable for candidates with disabilities. Those who are registered disabled are given preference over non-disabled applicants who do not otherwise have statutory preferential status if their overall personal aptitudes, skills and qualifications are equal.

Emailed applications are kept on file for six months after the conclusion of the appointment procedure, whereupon they are deleted from our systems. Please visit www.uni-passau.de/en/university/current-vacancies for our data privacy policy.