Early Career Development

The IHS is a high-profile training institution for ambitious young talent in the applied economic and social sciences.

The Institute recruits university graduates who are pursuing a doctorate to work as junior researchers in one of the research units. At IHS, the training of junior researchers is closely integrated with university PhD programms. The Institute also runs its own doctoral college—a platform for intensive exchange, mutual learning and strong mentoring by experienced researchers. Doctoral students are supported in developing into successful postdocs in academia, but IHS also serves as a springboard for careers in practice after the doctorate due to its strong focus on applied research.

Doctoral graduates contribute to shaping the IHS research program as researchers. They have the freedom to conduct independent applied basic research and take responsibility for research-based policy advice projects. They also play a key role in supervising doctoral students and in transferring knowledge into practice.

Postdocs with some experience who aspire to a university career can lead a junior research group at IHS. Together with their team, they can independently pursue their research agenda over several years.

Outstanding scholars can continue their careers at the Institute as senior researchers and may even advance to higher management positions. However, working as a postdoc researcher at IHS opens up a wide range of career paths: at universities, in public administration, in non-profit organisations, and in the private sector.