Frankfurt School now has one vacant Postdoctoral Fellowship position, funded by the newly created “Center for European Transformation”. The position has a duration of two years. The postdoctoral fellow should specialize on the broad topics of financial intermediation and (debt) capital markets and will work with a team of researchers specializing within this area. The objective of the position is to strengthen research, and to give researchers/scholars holding a doctoral degree the opportunity to strengthen their academic qualifications. In compliance with Frankfurt School’s ambition of becoming one of the leading business schools in Europe, we seek a candidate who can produce high-level research and publications at international levels. The position has no teaching requirements but research-related tasks within the center.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD degree in finance or economics with an expertise in machine learning/data science; prior experience in the analysis of unstructured data (e.g., NLP) is a plus. The candidates will be evaluated based on an overall assessment of skills, knowledge, and suitability for the position.
In the assessment the following criteria will be emphasized: scientific work, interest in the topic, and ability to conduct research as part of a team. We are looking for candidates with strong research capabilities and ambitions to advance their field with publications in leading finance journals. The position does not include any teaching requirements.
We Offer
Salary on agreement as well as travel/research support. Frankfurt School has access to all widely-used databases in financial research and is committed to build a research infrastructure that supports top-level research.
Application Instructions
Applicants must submit their job-market paper (if available) and work-in-progress abstracts, which reflect their area of research interest. In addition, applicants should submit an updated CV (including a complete list of working papers publications). Two reference letters must also be submitted. Candidates may be asked to forward further information and/or be called in for an interview. All material needs to be uploaded via apply.interfolio.com/168836.
Further Information
Start date is subject to agreement. The position will only be filled if qualified candidates are identified. Contact Canan Kus (c.kus@fs.de) for further information.
See for more information about the department and Frankfurt School.
Department
Center for European Transformation (CfET)
Finance Department
Job Summary
The Research Professional (“Pre-Doc”) will work closely with Frankfurt School faculty member(s) and CfET Directors to manage and carry out research projects and ensure that the CfET goals and objectives are met. The CfET is research oriented, and one of the primary responsibilities of this role will be managing and facilitating research project(s) in various stages from inception through completion. Additionally, provide general assistance to faculty and post-doctoral scholars; attends various events, including selected research seminars; build and manage data sets, conduct field research, conduct statistical analysis, and edit research documentation. Ideal candidates are considering an application to PhD programs in economics, finance or related disciplines. Core research topics are private debt and AI.
This position is expected to last two years.
Responsibilities
- Supports ongoing research projects, faculty and post-doctoral fellows, by conducting various searches, compiling, and manipulating data.
- Collecting, managing and structuring quantitative datasets.
- Conducts complex statistical analysis, writes statistical software programs, and organizes the presentation of results.
- Creates charts, tables and descriptive text for presentations.
- Obtains and organizes information for research from other academic institutions and practitioners.
- Maintains effective communication with all members of the faculty and outside institutions.
- Proofreads and edits citations of funded research reports, working papers, and publications.
- Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
- Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a bachelor/master degree in a related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor/Master degree by start date (earliest December 2025 until positions are filled).
- Coursework in statistics or econometrics.
Experience:
- A minimum one year of research experience, relevant research experience.
- Background in economics or related field.
- Strong quantitative background.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Strong computer skills, including programming.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Stata, Python, or related software.
- Knowledge of research techniques or methods.
Preferred Competencies
- Strong interest in attending graduate school.
- Strong GPA.
- Analytical and strong problem-solving skills.
- Excellent and professional verbal, written, and presentation skills, as well as organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- Work well independently and creatively, as well as with others, and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Excellent time-management skills and work effectively with minimal supervision.
- Seek out, coordinate, and appropriately disseminate information.
- Eagerness to take initiative and solve intricate problems.
- Train others.
- Proven understanding of the program and its goals.
Working Conditions
- This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
- Transcripts, unofficial transcripts are acceptable (required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be sent (along with the survey) to C.Kus@fs.de
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Pay Range
Competitive
About the Department
For more information on Frankfurt School, please visit our website: www.frankfurt-school.de. Frankfurt is ranked 7th worldwide both in the latest Global Liveability Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit, as well as latest Mercer “Quality of Living“-Ranking.
Frankfurt School values diversity among its faculty, is committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, and strongly encourages applications from women and underrepresented minorities. Please submit your application, including your CV and contact information for at least two references via Interfolio. We emphasise that all people – regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age and sexual orientation – are equally welcome at Frankfurt School.
For more information about the Centre for European Transformation, please visit: https://cfet.frankfurt-school.de/
We are seeking 2 to 3 Research Assistants to join the Centre for European Transformation. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates with a strong interest in capital markets and the economy, looking to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic research environment.
Main Tasks:
- Conduct research on capital markets and economic topics.
- Write notes, shorter articles, and summaries.
- Collaborate with senior researchers on ongoing projects.
Requirements:
- Background in Finance or Economics (Bachelor’s or Master’s level).
- Some prior work experience in research or finance-related roles.
- Strong writing and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage deadlines.
Hours & Duration:
- Up to 20 hours per week during the semester.
- Up to 40 hours per week during semester breaks.
- Commitment of 6 to 12 months.
This is a paid position, and flexibility in working hours can be accommodated around academic schedules. If you are passionate about capital markets and economic transformation in Europe, apply to be part of our innovative research team!
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter with motivation to Prof. Dr. Sascha Steffen (s.steffen@fs.de).