The Professorship of Environmental Economics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Campus Weihenstephan in Freising, Germany, is hiring a Doctoral/Ph.D. Student in Economics for the research project WETTER. The position is paid on the German public sector scale (TV-L E13, 75%), is expected to start in February 2027 for an initial 36 months, and applications close on 15 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full call and laid out every detail below.
Position at a Glance
🏛️ Employer: Technical University of Munich (TUM), Professorship of Environmental Economics
📍 Location: Campus Weihenstephan, Freising, Germany
🎓 Position: Doctoral/Ph.D. Student in Economics (m/f/d)
💶 Pay: German public sector pay scale, TV-L E13, 75%
🗓️ Expected start: February 2027
⏳ Initial contract: 36 months, with the possibility of extension
🏆 Funding: Joachim Herz Prize 2026
⏰ Application deadline: 15 November 2026
The WETTER Research Project
The PhD position sits within the research project WETTER, which stands for Water Efficiency through Technology, Targeting, and Experimental Research. The project is funded by the Joachim Herz Prize 2026.
What the PhD Research Will Focus On
TUM is looking for a highly motivated candidate interested in conducting large-scale field experiments (RCTs) at the intersection of behavioural and environmental economics. The particular focus is on sustainable household behaviour.
🧪 Large-scale field experiments (RCTs)
🧠 Behavioural economics
🌱 Environmental economics
🏠 Sustainable household behaviour
Start Date and Contract Length
The position is expected to start in February 2027. The appointment is initially for 36 months, with the possibility of extension.
About the Technical University of Munich
TUM is one of Europe's leading research universities and a longstanding member of Germany's Excellence Initiative. It offers a strong interdisciplinary research environment and close collaboration with industry and policy institutions, which together provide an outstanding setting for academic research. The TUM School of Management consistently ranks among the leading business schools in Europe.
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What TUM Offers the Doctoral Researcher
🏫 An excellent research environment at one of Europe's leading universities
💶 Salary according to the German public sector pay scale (TV-L E13, 75%)
📊 The opportunity to work on a large-scale, policy-relevant research project
👩🏫 No teaching obligations, but teaching opportunities are available
✈️ Funding for research activities, conference participation and doctoral training
🧭 Close academic supervision, mentoring and regular feedback
🎓 Integration into the doctoral program of the TUM School of Management
Requirements for Applicants
📜 A Master's degree in economics or a related discipline with very good results
📐 A strong background in econometrics, causal inference and empirical research methods
💻 Experience in managing, processing and analysing large-scale datasets using R, Python or Stata
🗣️ Fluency in spoken and written English
How to Apply
Send your application documents by email as a single PDF file, using the subject line "PHD WETTER". The PDF should include:
✉️ A one-page cover letter outlining your experience and research interests
📄 A CV
📑 Academic transcripts
In addition, one letter of recommendation should be sent directly by the letter writer to the same email address. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Equal Opportunity at TUM
As part of the Excellence Initiative of the German federal and state governments, TUM has been pursuing the strategic goal of substantially increasing the diversity of its staff. As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, TUM explicitly encourages nominations of and applications from women, as well as from all others who would bring additional diversity dimensions to the university's research and teaching strategies. Preference will be given to candidates with disabilities with essentially the same qualifications.
Data Protection for Applicants
By applying, you provide personal data to the Technical University of Munich. TUM asks applicants to view its privacy policy on collecting and processing personal data in the application process, pursuant to Art. 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation of the European Union (GDPR). By submitting an application, you confirm that you have read and understood the data protection information provided by TUM.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TUM PhD position in the WETTER project about?
It is a PhD position in Economics at the Professorship of Environmental Economics, TUM Campus Weihenstephan, focused on large-scale field experiments (RCTs) at the intersection of behavioural and environmental economics, with an emphasis on sustainable household behaviour.
How is the position paid?
The salary follows the German public sector pay scale at TV-L E13, 75%. TUM also offers funding for research activities, conference participation and doctoral training.
When does the PhD start and how long does it last?
The position is expected to start in February 2027. The appointment is initially for 36 months, with the possibility of extension.
Do I have to teach?
No. There are no teaching obligations, although teaching opportunities are available.
What qualifications do I need?
You need a Master's degree in economics or a related discipline with very good results, a strong background in econometrics, causal inference and empirical methods, experience with large datasets in R, Python or Stata, and fluent spoken and written English.
What should my application contain?
A single PDF with a one-page cover letter on your experience and research interests, a CV and academic transcripts, sent by email with the subject "PHD WETTER". One letter of recommendation must be sent directly by the letter writer to the same address.
Who funds the WETTER project?
The project WETTER (Water Efficiency through Technology, Targeting, and Experimental Research) is funded by the Joachim Herz Prize 2026.
Deadline
⏳ 15 November 2026
Application Email
Send your application (subject: PHD WETTER): sebastian.tonke@tum.de
TUM School of Management doctoral program: https://www.mgt.tum.de/de/faculty-research/doctoral-program
TUM privacy policy for applicants: https://portal.mytum.de/kompass/datenschutz/Bewerbung/
