Applying for a PhD Position

On this page you can find information on how to join the team of Professor Stahl. We are constantly looking for master students and graduates in business, economics, data science, computer science and related fields to join our team as student research assistants and PhD students.

PhD Position in Quantitative Marketing, Consumer Analytics, and AI-Driven Marketing
University of Mannheim, Germany

The Business School at the University of Mannheim—one of Europe’s leading institutions for research and teaching in business and economics—invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Quantitative Marketing, with a focus on Consumer Analytics and AI-Driven Marketing.

About the Position

The successful candidate will join a vibrant research community and work closely with faculty members conducting cutting-edge research in the areas of:

• Marketing Analytics
• Machine learning and AI applications in marketing
• Digital and data-driven marketing strategies
• Quantitative modeling of consumer behavior
• Related fields

The position includes participation in research projects, teaching support, and the opportunity to pursue independent research leading to a doctoral dissertation.

PhD Education at the Graduate School of Economic and Social Sciences (GESS)

All PhD candidates are required to enroll in the Graduate School of Economic and Social Sciences (GESS) at the University of Mannheim. GESS offers a rigorous and internationally renowned doctoral program, including:

• Advanced coursework in quantitative methods, marketing science, and economics
• Research workshops, seminars, and skill-development courses
• A dynamic, international research environment with fellow PhD students and faculty
• No tuition fees and full funding for up to 5 years

International Collaboration & Research Network

As a PhD student, you will benefit from extensive opportunities to collaborate with top researchers at leading universities across Europe and the United States. The program actively encourages:

• Visiting international summer schools
• Visiting research stays abroad
• Joint research projects and co-authorship with international scholars
• Conference participation and academic networking on a global scale

Outstanding Placement Record

The University of Mannheim has a proven track record of excellent placements for its PhD alumni, both in academia and industry. Recent graduates have accepted positions at:

Leading European business schools (e.g., HEC Paris, Rotterdam School of Management, Bocconi University, Esade)

Top international firms in consulting, tech, and data-driven marketing roles (e.g., Kerney, SAP, Nestlé)

Candidate Profile

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with:

• A strong academic background (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Marketing, Economics, Data Science, or related fields
• Quantitative and analytical skills (e.g., statistics, econometrics, machine learning)
• A keen interest in research and academic inquiry
• A career and problem-solving attitude and mentality
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written)

Application Details

Please submit the following documents:

• CV
• Statement of research interests
• University transcripts
• Reference letters (optional but recommended)
• Writing sample (e.g., Master’s thesis or research paper)

Start Date: September 1st
For further information and submitting your application, please contact Prof. Dr. Florian Stahl

Join us at the University of Mannheim and shape the future of marketing through analytics and AI. We look forward to your application!