Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich) is hiring an ISI Junior Research Group Leader in Wealth Inequality Research (m/f/x) at the Munich International Stone Center for Inequality Research (ISI). The full-time post, paid under TV-L at grade E 14 or E 15, starts between 1 April and 1 December 2027 for an initial three years, and comes with funding for up to two PhD positions and a research budget. Applications close on 15 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full posting, and every task, proposal requirement and benefit is set out below.
The Position at a Glance
💼 Position: ISI Junior Research Group Leader in Wealth Inequality Research (m/f/x)
🏛️ University: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
🏫 Institution: Faculty of Social Sciences, ISI, Munich International Stone Center for Inequality Research
🆔 Posting number: 4602
📍 Location: Munich, Germany
⏱️ Working time: Full-time (100%), also possible part-time
💶 Remuneration group: TV-L, salary grade E 14 or E 15
🗓️ Start date: Between 1 April and 1 December 2027
📝 Duration: Initially 3 years, with an option for extension upon review
About LMU Munich
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. LMU researchers work on the great questions affecting people, society, culture, the environment and technology, supported by experts in administration, IT and tech.
About 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 LMU Munich
🌱 It supports researchers at all career stages
🌍 It promotes exchange with leading research institutions in Germany and abroad
Who ISI Is Looking For
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:
📈 New empirical work
💡 Theoretical development
🗄️ Contributions to data infrastructure
A strong candidate also shares the international and interdisciplinary orientation at the heart of the center. Since the position comes with funding to build a research group, the proposed project should be ambitious in scope.
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, for example by evaluating applications for ISI fellowships or the ISI Pipeline Program
📣 Actively contribute to ISI science communication, including communicating research findings clearly and accessibly to audiences beyond the academic community
🗓️ Participate in ISI events, including the biannual ISI Wealth Conference
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The Research Proposal: What It Must Cover
Applicants submit an ambitious and original proposal (max. 3 pages) for a junior research group with the potential to significantly advance wealth inequality research. 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 central research questions, theoretical approach and expected scientific contribution
🧩 Outline distinct but closely connected individual projects for the group leader and one to two doctoral candidates, explaining how the three projects contribute to the group's overall agenda
🛠️ Describe the proposed data and methods, anticipated outputs, opportunities for interdisciplinary and international collaboration, and the feasibility of completing the programme within the funding period
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 is an advantage but not a requirement
Pay and Benefits
💶 Remuneration under the German public-sector collective agreement for the federal states (TV-L); depending on qualifications and individual circumstances, the post is classified at salary grade E 14 or E 15
🔬 A scientifically challenging and engaging position in 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, easily reached by public transport, with innovative spaces for hosting events
🏠 Flexible working hours and the option to work partly from home (the position cannot be carried out remotely)
👨👩👧 A range of employee benefits, including family services and relocation assistance
Part-Time Option and Equal Opportunity
⏳ The position is also possible in a part-time capacity
♿ People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment
How to Apply
Submit your complete application exclusively via the LMU online application tool by 15 November 2026, with all 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 such experience, you may draw on examples such as media coverage, interviews, public talks, podcasts, or participation in public events and panel discussions
📇 Contact information for two references
When applying, you submit personal information; LMU asks applicants to refer to the LMU Privacy Policy. By submitting, you confirm you have read and understood the data protection guidelines and privacy policy and agree to your data being processed for the selection process.
Discover more academic and research roles in the jobs listings on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ISI Junior Research Group Leader at LMU Munich do?
The group leader produces cutting-edge research on wealth inequality, builds and leads a junior research group and supervises one to two doctoral candidates. The role also includes teaching one seminar per semester and supporting ISI activities, events and science communication.
How is the position paid?
Pay follows the German public-sector collective agreement for the federal states (TV-L). Depending on qualifications and individual circumstances, the post is graded E 14 or E 15.
When does the position start and how long does it last?
The start date is between 1 April and 1 December 2027. The position runs for an initial three years, with an option for extension upon review.
What research funding comes with the role?
The position includes funding to establish a junior research group with up to two PhD positions, plus a research budget for travel and events.
Do I need to speak German?
No. Excellent English is required, and German-language ability is an advantage but not a requirement.
Can I work remotely or part-time?
The role offers flexible hours and partial work from home, but it cannot be carried out remotely. The position is also possible in a part-time capacity.
What documents must I upload?
Upload one PDF with a cover letter (max. two pages), CV, project description (max. three pages), a science communications approach (max. one page) and contact information for two references.
Deadline
⏳ 15 November 2026
Links
🔗 Job posting: https://job-portal.lmu.de/jobposting/31f6f17bd30e3788553828ab08bdd8692499f7250
📝 Online application: https://job-portal.lmu.de/en/jobposting/31f6f17bd30e3788553828ab08bdd8692499f7250/apply
🌐 LMU Munich: https://www.lmu.de
