Applied Data Scientist/PostDoc - München, Deutschland - ifo Institut – Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung an der Universität München e. V. - Jobs

Beschreibung

To strengthen our growing ifo-wide team working on "Big Data Economics", we are looking for a Data Scientist at the postdoc level for up to six years, starting in June 2024 or at the earliest possible. She/he will contribute to ifo's main research topics with his/her independent research applying a combination of state-of-the-art machine learning and causal inference methods to innovative and unconventional data from various sources and of various types (firm, text, images, administrative, etc.) answering policy relevant economic questions.

Embedded into Munich's vibrant research environment, the ifo Institute strengthens its profile in the field of Big Data Economics: First, the research data center (EBDC) manages financial and personnel resources to offer and coordinate all necessary support (legal, IT, RDM, etc.) to the researchers including collaborating in research projects. Second, several junior research groups are installed to foster Big Data Economics within and across the ifo departments. Third, the CESifo research network has newly launched the research area "Economics of Digitization" and the Cluster "Economic Research with Firm Data" that aims at developing economic research with unconventional data from firms. Fourth, at the LMU colleagues from the department of economics, several newly established AI professorships, and a large group of data scientists at the statistics department contribute to the growing group of Big Data researchers.

In this stimulating and well-equipped environment, this position plays a pivotal role. It involves initiating, conducting as well as guiding and supervising Big Data research projects with and of other ifo researchers, the junior research groups and external partners from academia and industry – with maximum support from ifo's infrastructure departments and ifo's executive board. She/he interacts with other researchers, gives methodological advice and organizes and teaches courses on methods and applications. A doctoral student and several research assistants provide support at the EBDC. Significant funding for data, legal/IT/methodological expertise is provided.

We, the ifo Institute, are one of the leading economic research institutes in Europe. We work on issues relevant to economics and economic policy at the highest scientific level and with an international reach, and develop research-based recommendations for action for policymakers, business and society. Through our five fields of activity - research, promotion of young researchers, policy advice, participation in public debates and information/service - we contribute to maintaining and increasing sustainable economic prosperity and social participation under constantly changing conditions.

Do you want to know more about us and your career opportunities? Check us out at

What we expect from your profile...

• You will have a wide range of skills and preparation and a strong desire to quickly acquire missing skills and experience. Desirable skills and experience include:
• A PhD in economics, statistics, or related fields
• Excellent coding skills in multiple languages (e.g. R, Python, SQL)
• Experience with large datasets and data bases
• Experience using HPC and cloud computing services such as GCP, AWS, Azure, etc.
• Experience working with Github or similar tools for collaboration and version control
• Experience supervising research/student assistants, interns or predocs
• Strong communication skills
• With excellent English language skills, both written and spoken, you are able to interact confidently in the international network of researchers.
• Knowledge of the German language is an advantage.
• You are a team player and like to take responsibility for yourself and others.

Your new job includes...

• collaboration in highly-motivated research teams and with interesting industry partners on relevant economic questions.
• participation in highly innovative research projects.
• using and developing cutting edge methodology and infrastructure for working with large data sets from firms, platforms etc.
• to adapt machine learning and causal inference techniques.
• developing expertise in managing large-scale empirical projects with several partners.
• to work in a well-equipped research environment and actively shape it further.
• to conduct scientific workshops and get in touch with renowned international scholars through the CESifo research network.
• developing a teaching profile for Data Science courses.

The ideal candidate is preparing for a permanent academic position, for example a tenuretrack or tenured professorship in the field "Applied Data Science". However, depending on the candidate's profile, performance and interest, ifo supports in applying for funding a permanent position.

Our junior faculty members...

Research

• work on exciting questions in virtually all fields of economics
• regularly publish in top general interest and field journals
• cause impact because they bring scientific findings into policy debates
• contribute to the debate on economic and educational policy in line with our claim "Shaping the Economic Debate"
• are highly demanded on the national and international job market, both in academia and in industry, and achieve placements as full or associate professors at top universities

People

• are part of a team of about 111 economists
• are embedded in a vibrant economics community in Munich
• are part of the Department of Economics at LMU Munich
• can participate in the structured Junior Faculty Development Program and have the opportunity to teach at LMU Munich
• engage with international top-class economists within our CESifo network with more than 2,000 members from all over the world

Support

• have access to an exceptional data infrastructure and other supporting services

ifo

• have an initial three-year employment contract, with the option to be extended
• receives its salary according to TV-L E 13 or E 14 (incl. special annual payment) depending on publications and are part of the company pension scheme (VBL) (in addition to the statutory pension insurance).
• are supported in their professional and personal development with flexible working hours, the possibility of mobile work and many tailored training and development programs, and is equipped for this in the best possible, modern and comprehensive way.
• take up our company "holidays" during the year (a half day on Carnival Tuesday and the 24th and 31st of December, each full day).
• are entitled to a relocation allowance after passing their probationary period if they move to Munich or the surrounding area from a radius of 200 km or more (like all our employees).
• will be supported with German courses if needed.

We were awarded the "HR Excellence in Research" award in 2019 by the European Commission. Our membership in the Familienpakt Bayern (Bavarian Family Pact) reinforces our measures to reconcile family and career. We promote professional equality regardless of ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual identity. We strive to increase the proportion of women in research and therefore expressly encourage women to apply.