About the role
PhD candidate (w/m/d)
PhD candidate (w/m/d)
Department of Ecological-Economic Policy Modelling (420d) Code: 2026/187 Application deadline: 2026-12-01The 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.
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.
Have we sparked your interest?
We look forward to receiving your application through our online portal.
Please submit one PDF containing
- your CV,
- contact details of two academic referees, and
- a 1–2-page motivation letter
Interviews are expected to take place online in Dec 2026/Jan 2027.
In your motivation letter, please explain:
- your experience with quantitative empirical research, econometrics, and data analysis;
- any experience with demand modelling, household scanner data, or policy evaluation; and
- your motivation for conducting research on biodiversity-friendly food consumption and sustainable consumer behaviour at our department.
Mail Facebook Xing LinkedIn WhatsApp Instagram Universität Hohenheim Schloss Hohenheim 1, 70599 Stuttgart Datenschutz ImpressumHow to apply
Read the full posting, then apply through the employer's own site. Applications are handled by the institution, not by AcademicGates.