Postdoctoral Fellowship in Finance “Center for European Transformation”

Project: Unlocking the potential of Europe’s capital markets

Europe faces numerous transformational challenges such as innovation, digitization, or climate change & energy, which need to be addressed. To do that and to unlock Europe’s growth potential, we must activate the supply of capital and develop deeper capital markets in Europe.

We need to understand the frictions that can preclude firms from borrowing money or rolling over debt. Similarly, we need to understand the frictions that prevent them from raising equity. What is the role of public investments and an optimal mix of public and private capital to fund these transformational challenges? Recent crises, such as the 2007-2009 global financial crisis or the dash-for-cash in March 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic have demonstrated that lack of access to debt or equity markets negatively impacts firm investment, employment and growth. Answers to these questions can facilitate firms’ access to funding and guide policy makers to determine avoid and optimal respond to future funding crises.

To help develop our understanding of these frictions, Frankfurt School and DWS have created a research center called “Centre for European Transformation”. The successful applicant will be working within this research center. The research group consists of outstanding scholars, including researchers at, for example, New York University Stern School of Business or Chicago Booth. For questions regarding the position, contact Professor Sascha Steffen (s.steffen@fs.de).

The Position: Postdoctoral Fellowship in Finance “Center for European Transformation”

Frankfurt School now has vacant Postdoctoral Fellowship positions, funded by the newly created “Centre for European Transformation”. The positions have a duration of two years. The postdoctoral fellow should specialize on the broad topics of financial intermediation and (debt) capital markets and will work with a team of researchers specializing within this area. The objective of the position is to strengthen research, and to give researchers/scholars holding a doctoral degree the opportunity to strengthen their academic qualifications. In compliance with Frankfurt School’s ambition of becoming one of the leading business schools in Europe, we seek a candidate who can produce high-level research and publications at international levels. The position has no teaching requirements but research-related tasks within the center (e.g., center management, policy reports, presentations, grant applications,…).

Qualification requirements

Applicants must hold a PhD degree in finance or economics from US or Western European business schools with an expertise in machine learning/data science; prior experience in the analysis of unstructured data (e.g., NLP) is a plus. The candidates will be evaluated based on an overall assessment of skills, knowledge, and suitability for the position.

In the assessment the following criteria will be emphasized: scientific work, interest in the topic, and ability to conduct research as part of a team. We are looking for candidates with strong research capabilities and ambitions to advance their field with publications in the top finance journals.

Application Procedure

Applicants must submit their job-market paper (if available) and work-in-progress abstracts, which reflect their area of research interest. In addition, applicants should submit an updated CV (including a complete list of working papers publications). Two reference letters must also be submitted. Candidates may be asked to forward further information and/or be called in for an interview. All material needs to be uploaded via Davinci.

Further Information

Start date is subject to agreement. The position will only be filled if qualified candidates are identified. Contact Canan Kus (c.kus@fs.de) for further information.

See for more information about the department and Frankfurt School.

• 30 days of annual leave, along with extra days off for special occasions:

  Whether it’s the end of the year, your wedding, a move, or your birthday – we give you the gift of time. This includes full days off on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, plus a half day on your birthday and on Shrove Tuesday.

• Accessible workplace
• Company pension scheme:

  We’re thinking ahead: with strong additional retirement benefits to secure your future

• Subsidised cafeteria:

  Enjoy healthy and diverse food options at great prices in our cafeteria

• Corporate benefit programme:

  Enjoy exclusive discounts for employees across a wide range of partner companies: from electronics to leisure activities

• Employee events and a strong team culture:

  From summer parties and Christmas celebrations to inspiring skill-sharing sessions: we believe in celebrating success together

• Excellent transportation links:

  Ideally located with excellent access to public transportation

• smart AI solutions for everyday office work:

  Our advanced AI solutions streamline your workflow: so you can work faster and focus on what truly counts

• Exercise and fitness offers:

  Diverse sports options to help you stay active and recharge after work

• Discounted public transport ticket (Deutschlandticket):

  Sustainable and budget-friendly travel with the subsidised Deutschlandticket