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University of Bremen Economics PhD 2026: TV-L E13 Position
University of Bremen Paid PhD in Federal and Regional Fiscal Relations
11 min read
Updated
NBy Naman Kumar
Page Summary⌄
Paid PhD: TV-L E13 at 50%, equivalent to 19.6 working hours per week.
Research: Economic and fiscal policy in multilevel systems, federal and regional financial relations.
Eligibility: Master’s or university Diplom in Economics, Business/Economics or Complex Decision Making with at least the grade “gut”.
Languages: Very good German and good English; the application itself must be in German.
Deadline:11 November 2026; employment starts as soon as possible.
Table of Contents
The University of Bremen is recruiting a doctoral researcher in Federal and Regional Fiscal Relations within the Faculty of Business Studies and Economics.
The paid PhD position focuses on economic and fiscal policy in multilevel political systems, including questions related to public finance, federalism and relationships between different levels of government.
The researcher will combine doctoral research with:
- university teaching
- participation in research projects
- scientific publications
- workshops and conferences
- academic self-governance.
The position is paid at TV-L E13, with a 50% employment contract equivalent to 19.6 hours per week, and is initially limited to three years.
Applicants need a Master’s degree or university Diplom in Economics, Business/Economics or Complex Decision Making, normally completed with at least the German grade “gut”.
Very good German and good English are required, and the complete application must be submitted in German.
The application deadline is 11 November 2026.
University of Bremen Fiscal Relations PhD at a Glance
Information
Details
Position
Research Associate / Doctoral Researcher
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The doctoral position focuses on economic and fiscal policy in multilevel systems.
This includes research into how financial and economic responsibilities are organised between different levels of government.
Potential themes within this broader field can include:
- federal fiscal relations
- regional public finance
- public expenditure
- intergovernmental financial relations
- economic policy
- fiscal policy
- public finance institutions.
The official vacancy defines the broader research focus as economic and fiscal policy in multilevel systems rather than advertising one fixed dissertation question.
This gives the successful candidate scope to develop an individual doctoral project within the research area.
What are federal and regional fiscal relations?
Federal and regional fiscal relations examine how public finances are organised across different levels of government.
In a federal system such as Germany, fiscal decisions can involve:
- the federal government
- federal states
- municipalities
- other public institutions.
Research can therefore investigate questions such as how revenues, expenditure responsibilities and fiscal resources are distributed across governmental levels.
The University of Bremen vacancy situates the doctorate within this wider field of economic and fiscal policy in multilevel systems.
Is this a paid PhD?
Yes. This is a salaried university employment position rather than a scholarship.
The position is classified at TV-L E13 with 50% employment.
The official vacancy states that this corresponds to 19.6 hours per week.
How much is the salary?
The position is paid according to TV-L E13.
The University of Bremen states that a full-time E13 position can fall between approximately €57,112 and €81,176 gross per year, depending on the applicable experience level.
However, the advertised doctoral position itself is only 50%.
The exact salary for the successful applicant therefore depends on:
- the applicable TV-L experience step
- recognised previous professional experience
- the 50% employment level.
For accuracy, you should not present one fixed monthly salary because the vacancy does not provide one.
Is this a full-time PhD?
No. The employment contract is 50% part-time employment.
This corresponds to 19.6 hours per week.
However, the doctorate is an explicit part of the employment relationship.
The vacancy states that, under Bremen university rules, at least half of the working time in this part-time position is available for the employee’s own academic qualification, particularly the doctorate.
This makes the PhD a central element of the position rather than something expected to be completed entirely outside working hours.
Is completing a PhD part of the job?
Yes. The vacancy explicitly lists preparation of your own scientific work, particularly a doctoral dissertation among the core responsibilities.
The contract is also explicitly classified as a qualification position under §2(1) Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz — WissZeitVG.
This means the employment is legally tied to academic qualification.
What will you do in the position?
The role combines four main areas.
1. Doctoral research
You will conduct independent academic research and work toward completing your doctorate.
The university explicitly provides working time for this qualification.
2. Teaching
You will contribute 2 teaching hours per semester week.
Teaching duties can include:
- preparing teaching material
- teaching exercises in German
- organising tutorials
- supporting study groups
- preliminary marking of German-language examinations
- assisting with seminar papers
- supporting Bachelor’s and Master’s theses.
This is one reason why very strong German is essential.
3. Research projects
You will participate in research projects connected to the Federal and Regional Fiscal Relations research area.
The vacancy also mentions collaboration with the Institute Labour and Economy — Institut Arbeit und Wirtschaft.
Research duties may include:
- research-project participation
- preparing academic workshops
- organising conferences
- contributing to academic publications.
4. Academic self-governance
You may also participate in university administrative and academic self-governance activities.
What research environment will you join?
The position is located within the University of Bremen’s Faculty of Business Studies and Economics and the research area Federal and Regional Fiscal Relations.
The group conducts research in areas connected to:
You need a completed scientific university degree at Master’s or university Diplom level in one of the following fields:
- Economics
- Business/Economics
- Complex Decision Making.
Your final result must be at least “gut”.
The University of Bremen does not publish an international numerical GPA conversion for this requirement.
Can I apply with an Economics Master’s?
Yes. Economics is explicitly listed among the eligible fields. You should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
- economic policy
- fiscal policy
- public finance.
Can I apply with a Business/Economics degree?
Yes. The vacancy explicitly accepts applicants with a university degree in Wirtschaftswissenschaft.
Your academic profile should still demonstrate sufficient economics and public-finance expertise for the research area.
Can I apply with Complex Decision Making?
Yes. The University of Bremen explicitly lists Complex Decision Making among the accepted degree backgrounds.
Your prior academic work should nevertheless demonstrate clear analytical ability and relevance to the research focus.
Can I apply while finishing my Master’s?
Yes. Applicants who are currently in the final phase of their Master’s programme
can be considered.
However, there is an important condition You must provide the completed Master’s certificate before employment can begin.
Therefore, you do not necessarily need the final degree certificate on the application deadline, but you cannot start the position without completing the degree.
What grade do I need?
Your Master’s or university Diplom must normally have been completed with at least “gut”.
This is the German wording used in the official vacancy.
The University of Bremen does not provide a universal equivalent such as:
- 2.0/4.0
- 3.0/4.0
- 70%
- 80%.
International applicants should therefore avoid self-converting their grades unless the university provides an applicable conversion method.
Do I need knowledge of public finance?
Yes. Applicants need good specialist knowledge of economic policy, fiscal policy or public finance.
This is one of the explicitly stated requirements.
Do I need a relevant Master’s thesis?
The vacancy requires good analytical skills demonstrated through a final thesis related to the research priorities.
Your previous thesis should therefore show a meaningful connection with areas such as:
- economic policy
- fiscal policy
- public finance
- multilevel economic systems
- related economic-policy research.
This is more than a general preference; the final thesis is explicitly used as evidence of your analytical ability.
Do I need previous work experience?
No minimum professional work-experience requirement is stated.
The vacancy focuses instead on:
- academic qualifications
- relevant economic and public-finance knowledge
- analytical ability
- language skills
- motivation
- teamwork
- independent working ability.
Professional experience may affect your TV-L salary step, but it is not listed as a basic eligibility requirement.
Do I need German?
Yes. The vacancy explicitly requires very good German-language skills.
This is a significant requirement.
The position involves duties such as:
- teaching exercises in German
- preliminary marking of German-language examinations
- supporting German-language teaching activities.
For that reason, this is not an English-only PhD position.
Is a specific German certificate required?
The vacancy requires very good German but does not state a formal CEFR level such as:
- B2
- C1
- C2.
It also does not explicitly require TestDaF, DSH, Goethe or telc certification.
Do not add a numerical language threshold that the university has not published.
Do I need English?
Yes. Applicants also need good English-language skills.
No specific IELTS, TOEFL or CEFR threshold is stated in the official vacancy.
Can I submit my application in English?
No. The University of Bremen explicitly requests a German-language application.
This applies to the submitted application materials.
Applicants should therefore prepare the cover letter and CV in German unless the university directly instructs them otherwise.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. The University of Bremen explicitly states that it welcomes applicants regardless of:
- nationality
- gender
- ethnic or social background
- religion or belief
- disability
- age
- sexual orientation
- identity.
International applicants can therefore apply.
However, the very strong German-language requirement substantially limits the position for applicants who cannot work academically and teach in German.
Is German citizenship required?
No. The vacancy explicitly welcomes applicants regardless of nationality.
German citizenship is not an eligibility condition.
What is the WissZeitVG requirement?
The employment contract is limited under §2(1) WissZeitVG.
WissZeitVG is Germany’s Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act.
For this particular vacancy, the University of Bremen explicitly states that candidates can only be considered if they still have sufficient qualification time available under §2(1) WissZeitVG.
This is particularly important if you have already held several fixed-term academic positions at German universities.
Can I apply if I previously worked at a German university?
Potentially. Previous academic employment in Germany can affect how much qualification time remains available under the WissZeitVG.
The vacancy does not provide an individual eligibility calculator.
If you have substantial previous fixed-term academic employment in Germany, confirm your remaining qualification time with the university before accepting an appointment.
How long is the contract?
The position is offered for Three years.
The contract starts as soon as possible.
No fixed calendar start date is published.
What benefits does the University of Bremen offer?
The position includes several public-sector employment benefits.
VBL occupational pension
Employees in the German public service receive additional retirement provision through VBL.
Annual special payment
Depending on the applicable TV-L classification, employees can receive an annual special payment.
This is sometimes informally described as a Christmas bonus.
30 days of annual leave
The university provides 30 days of annual leave for a five-day working week.
Flexible working conditions
The university offers:
- flexitime
- mobile work where organisationally possible
- family-friendly working arrangements.
Professional development
Employees have access to:
- further training
- professional-development opportunities
- structured onboarding.
Health and sports
Benefits include:
- workplace health management
- discounted sports
- fitness
- swimming options.
Job ticket
Employees can use a job-ticket option for public transport.
Family support
The University of Bremen also provides:
- social counselling
- family counselling
- family-friendly employment support.
Does the position support conference participation?
Yes. The university specifically offers support for research activities at:
- national conferences
- international conferences.
The research area also maintains teaching and research cooperation with partners in countries including:
- United States
- Ukraine
- South Africa
- Thailand.
The vacancy additionally highlights practical exchange with organisations such as:
- Arbeitnehmerkammer Bremen
- Bremen state authorities
- other relevant institutions.
What documents do you need?
The application must include:
- cover letter
- CV
- qualification documents
- certificates.
All documents must be submitted in German and combined into one PDF file.
The university also explicitly says do not include a photograph.
Your application must quote Reference A188-26.
Do I need a photograph?
No The University of Bremen explicitly instructs applicants: not to include a photograph with their application documents.
This is an easy requirement to miss when preparing a traditional German CV.
How to apply for the University of Bremen PhD
Step 1 — Check your academic eligibility
You need a Master’s or university Diplom in:
- Economics
- Business/Economics
- Complex Decision Making
with at least the grade “gut”.
Step 2 — Check your research fit
Your academic background should demonstrate knowledge of:
- economic policy
- fiscal policy
- public finance.
Step 3 — Check your thesis
Your final thesis should demonstrate analytical ability and a connection to the research area.
Step 4 — Check your German
You need very good German because the position includes German-language teaching and assessment duties.
Step 5 — Check your WissZeitVG eligibility
Make sure you still have sufficient qualification time available under §2(1) WissZeitVG.
Step 6 — Prepare the application in German
Prepare:
- German cover letter
- CV
- qualification evidence
- certificates.
Step 7 — Combine everything into one PDF
Do not include a photograph.
Step 8 — Include the reference number
Quote A188-26.
Step 9 — Submit electronically
The vacancy instructs applicants to submit the PDF electronically to the research area.
Use the application instructions displayed on the current official vacancy page.
