FAQs About the Application Process at ZEW

You can submit your application in English or in German. The language used in the job advertisement can serve as a guidance.

• a cover letter stating why you would like to work for us, what qualifications and experience you have and when you are available,
• a CV in tabular format including your contact details,
• relevant diplomas,
• references from previous employers or letters of reference,
• relevant further education certificates,
• For university students: Please always enclose a certificate of enrolment.

Please upload your documents as a PDF file in our application portal.

We look forward to receiving your speculative application. Apply here.

You can also apply for more than one position via our applicant portal. Please send us a separate application for each advertised position.

Interested persons are asked to apply via our online form. During the personal interview, you will get to know the staff of the respective research unit as well as the management level of ZEW. Candidates are also required to give a scientific presentation, followed by a discussion.

Of course, we will treat your personal data confidentially.

After submitting the online application, you will immediately receive an e-mail from us confirming its successful submission.

It usually takes one to two months from the day the application deadline has passed for us to let you know if you have been selected for a position. The process is influenced by various factors and its duration can vary depending on the job offer.

The first interview usually takes place virtually or in person. The interview gives us the opportunity to provide you a detailed overview of the position and introduce to you ZEW as an employer, as well as to learn more about the skills and experience you would like to bring to ZEW. You are also welcome to think about questions you would like to ask us.

In addition to members of the HR department, the head of the department for which you have applied and, if applicable, colleagues from this department will usually also take part in the interview. You will be informed who your interview partners will be in your invitation.

If you have further tasks to perform during your personal interview, we will let you know in good time in the invitation to the interview. For example, candidates for scientific positions are usually required to give a scientific lecture or presentation as part of the interview.

We are located in the heart of Mannheim at L7, 1 in 68161 Mannheim. Please report to reception when you arrive. Due to the current situation, it is possible that your interview will take place virtually. You will receive more information about this during the application process.

If you are travelling from the EU or Germany, we will generally reimburse travel expenses in accordance with the Baden-Württemberg Travel Expenses Act. We will explain and clarify details in the invitation to a personal interview.

For questions regarding the application process as well as ZEW Mannheim, please contact the HR department.

For questions relating to a specific job offer, please contact the person named in the job advertisement.

The internship should last at least two months and no longer than three months.

A prerequisite for employment as a student assistant/intern is to be currently enrolled at university. Employment is not possible during a semester on leave.

An internship can only be completed if ECTS credits from the current degree programme are still to be earned after the end of the contract at ZEW (the last examination must still be pending).

For general questions about the job posting, please contact Lisa Sattel.

If you have any content-related questions about the job, please contact the staff member in the relevant department. You will find the contact details in the job offer.

Cover letter, curriculum vitae, school leaving certificates and university diplomas, references from previous employers, as well as a current certificate of enrolment and a current transcript of records (as one PDF file).

See above. Telephone interviews or a personal interview at ZEW Mannheim are possible. You will be contacted by a member of staff from the respective department.

We regret that we cannot reimburse the costs of your interview.

Interns at ZEW may only work full-time. The standard working week consists of 39.5 working hours.

The monthly working time shall be between 20 hours and shall not exceed 85 hours (also in case of multiple employment).

Please send an e-mail to Lisa Sattel.