Econometrics PhD Supervisors & Research Opportunities

PhD Traineeship in the Directorate General Economics – Supply Side, Labour and Surveillance Division

General Field Research Associate

General Data Research Associate

Research Fellow – Harvard CID (Prof. Rema Hanna)

Pre-Doctoral Program – Global Talent Common Application

Traineeship/PhD Traineeship in Forecasting and Policy Modelling

Traineeship/PhD Traineeship in Forecasting and Policy Modelling Economics 15066 General Information Type of contract Traineeship Who can apply? EU nationals eligible for our traineeship programme Grant The trainee grant is €1,170 per month plus an accommodation allowance (see further information section), The trainee grant is €2,120 per month plus an accommodation allowance (see further information section) Working time Full time Place of work Frankfurt am Main, Germany Closing date 20.10.2026 Your team You will be part of the Forecasting and Policy Modelling Division in the Directorate General Economics. The Division develops and maintains a wide range of models, for both the euro area and its largest member countries, together with the associated data and model platforms. It makes model-based contributions to macroeconomic projections and policy deliberations. It employs around 20 members of staff with recognised expertise and strong publication records in macro modelling. Modelling approaches include dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE), heterogeneous agent New Keynesian (HANK), semi-structural, time series, machine learning and deep learning models. The ECB is an inclusive employer and we strive to reflect the diversity of the population we serve. We encourage you to apply irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or other characteristics. Your role As a trainee you will: work closely with the Division’s economists to develop and maintain structural, semi-structural, time series, machine learning and deep learning models for the euro area and its largest member countries; programme and maintain the mathematical, statistical and econometric procedures required to support policy input and research projects and enhance analytical, numerical and econometric tools; contribute to the ECB and Eurosystem staff macroeconomic projections for the euro area, e.g. by supporting the preparation and presentation of model-based forecast interpretations and risk scenarios; work with, maintain and update datasets (including monetary, financial, economic, textual and other unstructured data) to support research projects on forecasting, macroeconomic modelling and policy analysis; contribute to quantitative analyses and analytical projects that inform policy reports and working papers, including those intended for external publication. The traineeship offers you excellent opportunities to work closely with an experienced and highly motivated team of economists and managers, typically in analytics, research support or model development. These traineeships are aimed at students and recent graduates with strong quantitative skills and an interest in policy-related applied research. You will have the chance to develop your analytical skills and gain insights into the ECB’s research activities and policymaking processes, while being exposed to new ideas and experiences that will support your future professional development. Throughout the traineeship, you will acquire valuable hands-on experience, significantly strengthening your programming, data analysis and modelling skills by applying them in a real-world policy context. The role also provides a unique perspective on economic analysis and policy preparation within a central bank, allowing you to make a meaningful contribution to the ECB’s mission. You will be part of a multicultural team that strives for continuous innovation to make a positive impact on the lives of European citizens. Qualifications, experience and skills Essential: for a traineeship paid at €2,120: a master’s degree and at least two years of PhD studies in economics, statistics, finance, data science, applied mathematics, computer science or a related field; for a traineeship paid at €1,170: a bachelor’s degree or higher in economics, statistics, finance, data science, applied mathematics, computer science or a related field; in addition to the a