The Department of Ecological-Economic Policy Modelling at the University of Hohenheim is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate demand elasticities for organic food products and how information interventions influence biodiversity-friendly food choices.
You will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and international research team combining qualitative research, econometric analysis, and economic modelling to investigate ecosystems, environmental policy, consumer behaviour, and sustainability outcomes.

Start 01.02.2027

Remuneration up to E13 TV-L

Scope 65 %

Duration fixed-term until 31.01.2030

Location Stuttgart-Hohenheim

Your tasks

Consumer preferences and demand modelling: Analyse large-scale household scanner data to estimate demand systems (e.g. AIDS/EASI models) for organic food products and investigate consumer preferences for organic and biodiversity-friendly foods.
Potentially: Evaluation of information campaigns: Support the design, implementation, and evaluation of a local biodiversity information campaign as a quasi-experiment. Assess its impact on food consumption behaviour using household scanner data and survey data, applying methods such as Difference-in-Differences or event-study analyses.
Contribute to scientific publications and present research findings at national and international conferences.

Your profile

A Master's degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Environmental Economics, or a related discipline.
A solid background in econometrics and quantitative empirical methods.
Experience with scientific writing and data management.
Enthusiasm for applied econometrics, sustainability policy, and biodiversity conservation.
Very good programming skills in R or Stata
Excellent written and spoken English.
The following qualifications are desirable but not required:
- Experience in working with household-level consumption or scanner data
- Experience in estimating consumer demand systems (e.g. AIDS or EASI models).
- Experience in evaluating (quasi-)experiments using methods such as Difference-in-Differences or event studies.

What sets us apart

A fixed-term contract for three years, with the possibility of extension.
A structured doctoral programme
Access to a large-scale household scanner dataset for empirical research
high-performance computing and international research networks
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
An inclusive, interdisciplinary, and supportive research environment
The opportunity to contribute to policy-relevant research on sustainable food systems and biodiversity conservation.
Vibrant and innovative working environment on a green campus with everything at close quarters
Multi-faceted and responsible role with creative freedom
Secure position
Very good work/life balance
Flexible working hours & remote working
Wide range of opportunities for personal and professional development
Health support & university sport
Job ticket & Job bike

Working environment

As a university with a distinct profile, the University of Hohenheim brings together the Faculties of Agricultural Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Business, Economics and Social Sciences. Our green campus with everything at close quarters promotes collaboration and creates an inspiring environment for research, teaching, and work. With us, aspiring minds find a community in which they can grow and develop. Shape a sustainable future with us!

Equal opportunities and diversity are important to us. Your skills and strengths count for us – regardless of age, gender, origin, or religion. We welcome applications from people with severe disabilities or equivalent; if suitable, we will give them preferential consideration.