Job Description

General information

The new

Chair of Behavioral Economics

(Prof. Dr. Rainer Michael Rilke) at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management in Vallendar is dedicated to the empirical and experimental analysis of decision-making behaviour in business and society. The focus is on

behavioural economics, field experiments and the use of artificial intelligence in decision-making processes.

Our research examines how individual preferences, social norms, and institutional frameworks shape economic decisions. WHU has an international orientation, offers an excellent research environment, and has a vibrant doctoral programme.

Your mission

Research

Conducting independent research in the field of

behavioural economics

, in particular on experimental and AI-supported issues in the field of

algorithmic fairness.

The aim is to present research results at international conferences and publish them in leading journals.

Teaching

Collaboration in the implementation and further development of courses in the field of

economics

and

business ethics

(e.g. preparation of materials, supervision of students, data analysis or support with experiments). Opportunity to gradually take on your own teaching responsibilities and further develop your

teaching skills

as part of your doctoral programme.

Doctoral programme

Active participation in WHU's

structured doctoral programme

, which includes methodological and theoretical courses, research seminars, and presentations in the doctoral colloquium. Use of the international research environment for

professional and personal development,

including access to laboratory and online recruitment resources and support for conference travel.

Your profile

Academic background

Above-average master's degree in economics, business studies or a related subject. Ideally, your master's thesis was written in a subject area related to behavioral economics, ethics or artificial intelligence.

Technical and methodological skills

Strong mathematical and analytical skills. Experience with experimental design, statistical inference, power analyses and common replication and pre-registration practices. Proficiency in at least one of the following programmes:

R, Python or Stata.

Research interests

Strong interest in experimental behavioral research, particularly in the areas of

behavioral economics, behavioral ethics and artificial intelligence.

Interest in topics such as

algorithmic fairness or LLM-based behavioral experiments

is particularly welcome.

Personal requirements

Enjoyment of scientific work in an international environment. Excellent written and spoken English skills (German skills are not required).

What we offer

Academic environment

At WHU, more than 60 faculty members conduct research and teach in the fields of

management, finance and accounting, economics, entrepreneurship and innovation, marketing and sales,

and

supply chain management.

WHU's high level of research expertise is the result of a focus on three key research principles:

quality, internationality

, and

practical relevance

for teaching and practice.

Contact

If you have any questions in advance, please contact:

Prof. Dr. Rainer Michael Rilke

e-mail: rainer.rilke@whu.edu


Please upload your complete application documents (CV, cover letter, and any other relevant documents). Your thesis should be uploaded under

“Other”.

About us

WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management is the leading private business school in Germany and is continuously ranked among the top business schools in Europe. On WHU’s two campuses in Vallendar (near Koblenz) and Düsseldorf, faculty, students, and staff enjoy working in a stimulating international environment. The organizational culture combines an entrepreneurial attitude and international orientation with a strong sense of community and diversity and a high commitment to excellence.