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 München

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.

Contact:

Please submit your complete application exclusively via our online application tool by 15 November 2026, including the following documents (uploaded in one pdf file):

• Cover letter (max. two pages)
• CV
• Project description (max. three pages)
• Science communications approach (max. one page): Briefly describe specific ideas and your motivation for science communication activities for your project. If you have had the opportunity to gain such experiences, feel free to draw on examples of previous activities, such as media coverage, interviews, public talks, podcasts, or participation in public events and panel discussions.
• Contact information for two references

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