Postdoctoral researcher „The Whiteness of Wealth Management: Colonial Economic Structure, Racism, and the Emergence of Tax Havens in the Global South (WOWMA)“
2025-07-03
Leuphana University of Lüneburg is a humanistic, sustainable, and action-oriented university that stands for innovation in education and science. Methodological diversity, interdisciplinary collaboration, transdisciplinary partnerships with practitioners, and an overall dynamic development characterize its research profile in the core areas of education, culture, management/technology, sustainability, and governance. Its international study model with the Leuphana College, the Leuphana Graduate School, and the Leuphana Professional School is unique in Germany and has received multiple awards.
For the project group "The Whiteness of Wealth Management: Colonial Economic Structure, Racism, and the Emergence of Tax Havens in the Global South (WOWMA)" funded by the European Research Council (ERC), the university is currently seeking one responsible, motivated, and committed individual as:
Postdoctoral researcher
(Pay category 13 TV-L, 100%, starting from April 1, 2026, for a duration of 3 years (March 31, 2029)
Self-Presentation:
The ERC project group WOWMA analyzes the impact of colonial economic structure and racism on the emergence of tax havens in the Global South. The group's working hypothesis is that colonial economic structure influenced the introduction of income taxes, and the longevity of colonial regimes dominated by white oligarchies. Tax havens emerged during decolonization primarily where the colonial regime, owing to limited economic activity, had not introduced income taxes and non-white populations had comparatively few political rights. Continued political control by white oligarchies conveyed political stability to Western investors, facilitated the involvement of white financial experts in the legislative process and mitigated concerns, often racially motivated, about expropriation by non-white postcolonial governments. To test the working hypothesis, project members collect historical data on the evolution of economic structure, fiscal capacity, and political regimes in all tropical island jurisdictions worldwide. This data is analyzed through comparative historical analyses and quantitative methods for causal inference.
To test whether racial prejudice persists in contemporary wealth management, the project group, moreover, fields a series of survey experiments with wealthy individuals and financial professionals in Western and non-Western countries, probing whether the identities of government officials and wealth managers unfold effects on investment decisions.
Our Offer:
The project group and university offer a post-doctoral position (100%) for the duration of 3 years at pay category 13 TV-L. This includes health insurance, contributions to social security and old age pension, as well as 30 days of paid leave per year. Field research is a core element of the group's work, and associated subcontracting and travel expenses will be covered. The project group and university also offer:
- Additional company pension scheme through the Federal and State Civil Service Retirement Fund (VBL).
- Flexible and family-friendly working hours within a flextime frame from 6 am to 9 pm.
- Flexible and family-friendly options for switching between on-site and remote work.
- An inspiring work environment as part of the university community of researchers, educators, students, and staff in technology and administration.
- A workplace at one of the most beautiful university campuses in Germany with an internationally renowned central building by Daniel Libeskind and the adjacent Wilschenbruch nature reserve.
- Diverse sports offerings supported by the university, allowing one hour per week of sports during working hours for employee health promotion.
- A subsidized lunch and dinner offer in the cafeteria.
- A subsidized Germany-wide train ticket for commuting.
Your Tasks:
- Lead the design, implementation, and analysis of survey experiments for the WOWMA project in 5 countries.
- Present findings at conferences, publish at least one peer-reviewed article and contribute to the drafting of a book manuscript presenting the WOWMA project’s results.
- Support the overall work of the project group, including research, organizational, and administrative tasks. No teaching obligation.
Your Profile:
Required Qualifications:
- Doctorate in Political Science, Sociology, Economics or related disciplines.
- Experience in the design, implementation, and analysis of survey experiments.
- Excellent English language skills (writing, reading, speaking).
Desired:
- Prior knowledge and interest in the empirical study of racialization and racism.
- Prior knowledge and interest in the political economy of colonialism, tax havens, or state building.
- International experience.
- Basic knowledge of the German language (desirable but not required).
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse, international team.
- Ability to take initiative, develop ideas and solutions, and provide constructive and encouraging feedback.
Your Application:
For inquiries about the position, please feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Lukas Hakelberg (lukas.hakelberg@leuphana.de).
Leuphana University of Lüneburg promotes gender equality and diversity among its members. Women and other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications from people with disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they have equal qualifications. Please also note our data protection information for applicants.
We look forward to receiving your application. Your application should include:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae (without photo)
- Copies of qualification certificates and transcripts
- Names of two referees (will be contacted only if the applicant is shortlisted)
- One publication
Please submit it by November 15, 2025, digitally (compiled in a single PDF file) to:
Leuphana University Lüneburg
Personal und Recht / Bewerbungsmanagement
Keyword: ERC WOWMA