Location

Essen

Application area

Faculty of Wirtschaftswissenschaften

PostDoc Position (f/m/d) for 36 months (No. 672-25)
EG 13 TV-L

You will be part of an ERC-funded research project of international excellence on the 'gig economy', studying online labour markets and their institutional foundations. By enabling the hiring of service workers through internet-based platforms, the gig economy is revolutionising traditional employment. The socio-economic consequences are massive, ranging from increased work autonomy to the potential erosion of labour standards. Against this backdrop, it is the aim of the PostDoc project to investigate whether specialisation in distinct skill sets enables online gig workers to resist international price pressure. To shed light on this question, you will have the opportunity to quantitatively analyse one of the world’s largest datasets on online gig work and to also collect additional data (e.g. through surveys or experiments).

You will become part of the ERC project team and its international research network, including distinct scholars in the field as well as representatives of international organizations, such as the OECD and the ILO. You will have the opportunity to engage in international and interdisciplinary research collaborations, mentored by Prof. Andrea M. Herrmann (www.andrea-herrmann.eu).

While teaching obligations are limited, you will have the opportunity to gain teaching experience for about 10% of your working time. All teaching activities are organised in consultation with you and in a way that facilitates the progress of your research project.

The Faculty of Economics at the University of Duisburg-Essen offers a research-oriented and interdisciplinary environment that promotes innovative approaches in business administration. Particular emphasis is placed on the connection between theory and practice as well as on the social relevance of research. The department is dedicated to a broad spectrum of content and methodological approaches to economics in both research and teaching.

Start of employment

as soon as possible

Duration of employment

3 years

Working time

100% of full-time employment (part-time employment is possible)

Your main tasks

• Research and publications in internationally recognized journals with a focus on digital labour markets (gig economy).
• Preparation and analyses of large datasets on gig workers and gig jobs. Where useful, support the collection of supplementary datasets.
• Support the organisation of, and participate in, project activities – such as international workshops and project meetings.
• Support the organisation and teaching of courses and supervise theses at the Chair “Future of Work, Innovation, and Organization”.

Your profile

• A completed PhD degree in the social and economic sciences, such as business administration, political economy, economic sociology, labour economics, innovation studies, or a related field.
• Advanced knowledge of quantitative research methods; advanced proficiency in statistical software packages (Python, Stata, or R); and experience with the empirical analysis of large individual-level data.
• Excellent command of English (equivalent to C2 level) and good command of German, or a willingness to attain this level within one year (equivalent to B1).
• A high degree of initiative, commitment, and ability to work collaboratively in an international team.
• Desirable: a strong record of scholarly achievement, demonstrated by publications in internationally recognized academic journals, promising working papers, awards, or other academic distinctions.
• Desirable: Experience in the organization and delivery of university-level teaching.

We offer you

• a responsible position as part of a dynamic, internationally oriented team of highly motivated colleagues;
• opportunities for international exchange as a team member of an EU-funded project of excellence, professional development programs, as well as participation in national and international conferences;
• dedicated mentorship by the principal investigator to support your development toward an independent academic career;
• a high degree of autonomy and flexible working hours;
• a collegial work environment characterized by mutual respect and appreciation;
• attractive sports and health programs (university sports);
• excellent access to public transportation and free on-campus parking;
• a family-friendly employer offering nursery and kindergarten places for pre-school children.

Application deadline

2026-01-31

Code number

672-25

Application

Please apply with a motivation letter (in English or German), your CV, a scientific writing sample (e.g. an article or your PhD dissertation), and the names of two referees. Send your application, quoting the reference number 672-25, preferably in digital form by email to Prof. Dr. Andrea Herrmann, attn. Paulina Jamroz, University of Duisburg-Essen, Fakultät für Wirtschaftswissenschaften, Universitätsstr. 2, 45141 Essen. Email (for submitting your application): paulina.jamroz@uni-due.de

Information about the job

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Andrea.Herrmann@uni-due.de

Information about the Faculty and the advertised position can be found at:

https://www.wiwi.uni-due.de/homepage/ and respectively:

https://www.futureofwork.wiwi.uni-due.de/

Open minded

We are a young, innovative university located in the heart of the Ruhr metropolis. We pride ourselves in outstanding research and teaching, think in terms of opportunities rather than limitations and develop ideas with a view to the future. Diversity is an integral part of our culture as we promote potential and are committed to upholding genuine equity in education.

Learn more

University of Duisburg-Essen pursues the goal of promoting the diversity of its members.
www.uni-due.de/diversity/en

In accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act, women with the same qualifications are given preferential consideration.

Applications from suitable disabled persons and persons of equal status within the meaning of § 2 para. 3 SGB IX are desired.

By applying for one of the advertised positions, you expressly agree to the requirements in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and to being contacted by mail. Further information on data protection can be found here.

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