Research Assistant/Doctoral Student (f/m/d) - Chair of Behavioral Accounting
Vallendar
Part-time
Temporary
General information
The Chair of Behavioral Accounting (Prof. Dr. Victor van Pelt) at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management in Vallendar is dedicated to the empirical and experimental analysis of decision-making and behavior in accounting settings. The focus is on behavioral accounting, controlled, online, and field experiments, and contemporary trends like the use of artificial intelligence and emerging reporting and measurement practices. Our research examines how controls, performance feedback, and reporting choices shape the judgments and decisions of managers, employees, investors, and other firm stakeholders. WHU has an international orientation, offers an excellent research environment, and has a vibrant doctoral program. Moreover, the chair is part of the Finance and Accounting Group, which collaborates on organizing frequent reading groups and research seminars that further strengthen your doctoral training. This position is particularly suited for people (f/m/d) interested in behavioral research, with a focus on accounting questions, and a career in academia.
Your mission
Research
- Conducting high-quality research in the field of accounting, in particular on behavioral issues in reporting, controls, performance measurement, the use of artificial intelligence, and emerging practices in accounting.
- The aim is to present high-quality research results at international conferences and publish them in leading accounting journals.
- Collaboration in the implementation and further development of courses in the field of financial and management accounting (e.g. preparation of materials, co-supervision of students, and examination preparation and correction).
- Opportunity to gradually take on your own teaching responsibilities and further develop your teaching skills as part of your doctoral program.
- Active participation in WHU’s structured doctoral program, which includes a selection of methodological and theoretical courses, research seminars, and presentations in the doctoral colloquium.
- Use of the international research environment for the chair's professional and personal connections to participate in additional top doctoral seminars in the field of accounting.
Your profile
Academic background
- Above-average master’s degree in accounting, economics, finance or a related area.
- Ideally, your master’s thesis was written in a subject area related to behavioral or experimental research.
- We particularly value if you’ve finished a preparation track, like a research master or another specialized graduate research program.
- Strong mathematical programming, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
- Experience with experimental design, statistical inference, and academic research and writing practices.
- Proficiency in at least one of the following statistical programming languages: R, Stata, or Python.
- Experience with oTree for conducting experiments is a big plus.
- Strong interest in academic research, particularly in the areas of accounting and/or behavioral research.
- Open to a possible career in academia following the doctoral program.
- A passion for learning and scientific research in an international environment.
- Excellent written and spoken English proficiency (German proficiency helps but is not required).
What we offer
Academic Environment
WHU has more than 60 faculty members in the fields of management, finance and accounting, economics, entrepreneurship and innovation, marketing and sales, and supply chain management. Research at WHU aims to adhere to three principles: quality, internationality, and practical relevance.
WHU is an equal opportunity employer and thus welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds. We believe in the benefits of diversity and therefore foster an international, inclusive, and inspiring working environment.
WHU has more than 60 faculty members in the fields of management, finance and accounting, economics, entrepreneurship and innovation, marketing and sales, and supply chain management. Research at WHU aims to adhere to three principles: quality, internationality, and practical relevance.
WHU is an equal opportunity employer and thus welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds. We believe in the benefits of diversity and therefore foster an international, inclusive, and inspiring working environment.
Contact
About us
As one of Germany’s top private business schools, WHU is consistently ranked among Europe’s finest. Since its inception in 1984, we have driven excellence and entrepreneurial thinking, producing innovative research that steers progress for all areas of society and industry. At both the Vallendar and Düsseldorf campuses, we empower leaders to become responsible changemakers, guided by integrity, diversity, and strengthened by a deep sense of togetherness.