Doctoral researcher in the DFG Graduate Program „Managerial and Economic Dimensions of Health Care Quality“ § 28 Abs. 3 HmbHG

Institution: University of Hamburg Business School, Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.04.2026 or later, fixed for a period of three years. (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2026-03-09

Scope of work: part-time

Weekly hours: 75 % of standard work hours per week

Hospital decision making and its impact on quality of care – an analysis of changes in financial incentives

Hospital decision making is of high importance in healthcare due to information asymmetries and supply induced demand. However, research into how different policy approaches can influence this process has received little attention in research. The aim of this PhD position is therefore to analyze the links between policy approaches hospital decision making, and their impact on the quality of care. With regard to hospitals, two approaches are of particular importance: Degressive pricing (introduced in 2017) and billing reviews (i.e, auditing conducted by health insurers). In both cases, administrative data from statutory health insurers will be available for the research project.

The Research Training Group of the Hamburg Center for Health Economics is in cooperation with the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). It started with the first cohort in October 2023. This is a call for the second cohort, who will start in April 2026 (with some flexibility regarding the starting date). PhD Supervisor will be Prof. Dr. Jonas Schreyögg.

More information about the scientific program, training program and the supervisors / professors of the Research Training Group can be found on the following website:
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Your responsibilities

Active participation in a structured graduate program.

PhD students will participate in our course program, which consists of seven research-related courses, comprising three core courses, two methods electives, and two free electives designed to facilitate further specialization in methods or other specific topics. In addition, we will offer electives focusing on statistical software packages and training in complementary skills. PhD students are invited to participate regularly in research seminars and workshops. They will take part in international conferences, benefit from exchange with visiting researchers and will have the possibility to undertake research stays abroad.

Your profile

A university degree in the field(s) of business administration, economics, or health economics obtained in a research-oriented Master’s program with at least above-average results. On completion of the Master’s degree (including a Bachelor’s degree) applicants ideally should have reached the equivalent of 300 ECTS points. Good econometric skills, proved by course in econometrics on Master-level. Good skills in R, more than basic level.

We offer

Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements

Continuing education opportunities

University pensions

Attractive location

Flexible working hours

Work-life balance opportunities

Health management, EGYM Wellpass

Educational leave

30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Instructions for applying

Contact

Prof. Dr. Jonas Schreyögg

Katja Sudmann

Location

Esplanade 36
20354 Hamburg

Reference number

11

Application deadline

2026-03-09

Use only the online application form to submit your application in English with the following documents:

• cover letter
• CV
• certificates/proof of qualification

If you experience technical problems, send an email to .

More information on in selection procedures.