Doctoral Student in Public Economics and Household Energy

Doctoral Student in Public Economics and Household Energy

(salary scale 13 TV-L, 100%)

Nestled in a modern city surrounded by nature and with an exceptional standard of living, Leibniz University Hannover offers excellent working conditions in a vibrant scientific community.

The Institute of Public Finance (Prof. Dr. Maximilian Todtenhaupt) invites applications for the following position starting 1 September 2026: Doctoral Student in Public Economics and Household Energy (salary scale 13 TV-L, 100%) Within the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA), we offer a position for a doctoral student starting 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible hereafter. The position is funded for 36 months by the ENERPOL MSCA Doctoral Network. An extension is possible.

ENERPOL is a European research and training network exploring the role of households in the green energy transition. It addresses challenges such as volatile energy prices, inequality, and household risk exposure, while developing policy-relevant insights for fair and efficient energy systems. A consortium of leading universities and non‑academic partners will train 14 doctoral candidates in cutting‑edge methods, theory, and transferable skills. More information may be found on the ENERPOL home page:

The position provides salary according to TV‑L 13, which is in accordance with EU guidelines for Marie Skłodowska‑Curie trainees, including mobility payments and, adjusted for family or special‑needs allowances.

Your role

• Conducting research in the area of behavioural responses to electricity price shocks using spatial variation in Norway to measure how price changes affect household electricity use and broader behaviours such as relocation, labour supply, and savings
• Participating in the international doctoral training programme of ENERPOL including several international summer schools and conferences
• Participating in active research environments including an academic research stay at the University of Helsinki and a practical secondment at Enercity
• Obtaining experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project
• Writing a PhD thesis on the grounds of your project

Who are we looking for?

The successful candidate must hold a university degree (master or equivalent) in economics, finance, applied mathematics or related at the starting date of the position. Excellent academic performance as well as excellent skills in econometrics and programming are required. Proficiency in English in speaking and writing is essential (knowledge of German is helpful but not necessary).

Important notice:

By regulations applying to funding through the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Action (MSCA), candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work/study) in Germany for more than 12 months within the 36 months immediately prior to recruitment and must not hold a doctoral degree.

Equal opportunities and diversity are core values at Leibniz University Hannover. Our goal is to tap into individual potential and open up possibilities. We therefore welcome applications from anyone interested in the position, irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

We strive towards a balanced and diverse workforce and a reduction in under‑representation in accordance with the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz – NGG). We therefore also welcome applications from women for the above‑mentioned position. Preference will be given to equally‑qualified candidates with disabilities.

With more than 5.000 employees, Leibniz University Hannover is one of the largest and most attractive employers in the Hannover region. We offer a vibrant interdisciplinary and international working environment, and promote personal and professional development ranging from subject‑related skills to leadership and languages.

We support employees with balancing work and family life, through services such as back‑up childcare, childcare during school holidays, and parent‑child offices, as well as providing individual advice regarding family responsibilities and caring for dependants. Remote work (mobile work, work from home) can therefore be arranged upon request.

To promote health and well‑being among employees, we offer an extensive sports programme with over 100 different sports, as well as a fitness centre with a sauna and climbing space. Health management measures, such as courses on stress management, good nutrition and relaxation, aim to ensure a healthy workplace.