PhD Position in Consumer Behavior and Sustainable Marketing, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany

Summary

The Chair of Marketing and Sustainability at the University of Duisburg-Essen (Essen Campus) is inviting applications for a Research Associate / PhD position (75% FTE) starting as soon as possible, ideally by February 1, 2027. The successful candidate will contribute to research projects on consumer behavior, sustainable consumption, marketing communication, and digital technologies. Responsibilities include teaching courses, supervising students, and assisting with chair administration. The contract is offered for three years with the possibility of extension and provides an opportunity to pursue a doctorate. Applicants must hold an above-average Master's degree in Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field, with strong empirical research skills and proficiency in both German and English.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Duisburg-Essen
Department	Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Chair of Marketing and Sustainability
Position Type	PhD Candidate / Research Associate
Discipline	Business Economics / Psychology
Research Area	Consumer Behavior, Marketing, and Sustainability
Degree Required	Master's degree
Experience	Knowledge in empirical research methods required; experience with statistical evaluation and software desirable
Salary	TV-L 13 (€44,493 – €63,239 gross)
Funding	Competitive remuneration according to TV-L 13 salary scale
Contract Duration	3 years
Language	German and English
Deadline	2026-11-05
Required Documents	Cover letter, Curriculum vitae, Attachments
Employer Address	Forsthausweg 2 (Duisburg campus); Universitätsstraße 2 (Essen campus), 47057 (Duisburg); 45141 (Essen), North Rhine-Westphalia
Employer Contact	[email protected]

About the Project

The position involves investigating consumer behavior and responsible marketing design. Key research topics focus on what promotes sustainable consumption, how marketing communication influences perceptions and choices, and how digital technologies alter consumer behavior within an international and interdisciplinary framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualizing and executing research projects at the chair
• Independently acquiring subject and methodological skills
• Participating actively in networking for the chair
• Designing and conducting university courses, supervising seminar papers and theses, and supporting examinations
• Assisting with chair administration

Required Skills

• Above-average Master's degree (or close to completion) in Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field
• Pronounced interest in the chair's research areas
• Independent, proactive working style
• Knowledge of empirical research methods
• Very good German and English language skills

Who Should Apply

Candidates who hold (or are about to complete) an above-average Master's degree in Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field, possess strong empirical research methodology skills, have an interest in consumer behavior and sustainable marketing, and speak very good German and English.

Benefits

• Varied and versatile range of tasks
• Research-intensive environment with international exchange
• Opportunity to complete a doctorate with numerous support services
• Wide range of training and continuing education options
• Family-friendly university culture (e.g., childcare offers and family care advice)
• Very good public transport connections and free parking spaces
• Possibility to work from home (position dependent)
• Extensive health and sports programs

About the Employer

The University of Duisburg-Essen is a young, innovative university located in the Ruhr metropolis, focusing on diversity, educational equity, and research-intensive, interdisciplinary cooperation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for applications?

The application deadline is November 5, 2026.

What is the contract duration and working hours?

The contract duration is 3 years with the possibility of extension, working 29 hours and 52 minutes per week (75% full-time equivalent).

Which academic qualifications are required to apply?

An above-average Master's degree (or nearing completion) in Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field is required.

What language skills are needed?

Very good German and English skills are required.

Where should applications be sent?

Applications should be submitted via email to Prof. Dr. Stefanie Sohn at [email protected] including reference number 501-26.