Embarking on a journey to secure a Fully Funded PhD in Entrepreneurial Finance in Germany can feel like navigating a complex maze. You have the ambition, the academic credentials, and a deep-seated passion for understanding the financial dynamics of innovation and new ventures. But the path to a funded position, especially in a prestigious European institution, can seem opaque. This guide is designed to illuminate that path, offering a clear, actionable roadmap to a remarkable opportunity at one of Germany’s most forward-thinking universities.
At Leuphana University of Lüneburg, the pursuit of a doctorate is not just an academic endeavor; it’s a fully integrated, salaried position within a vibrant research community. This article will walk you through the unique opportunity to join their ranks as a Research Associate in Entrepreneurial Finance, a role that combines rigorous academic training with the financial security of a full-time position. We will demystify the process, from understanding the role to crafting a compelling application, empowering you to take this decisive step in your academic career.
The path to a fully funded PhD in Entrepreneurial Finance in Germany is challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. The opportunity at Leuphana University offers not just a doctorate from a highly respected institution, but a professional role, a stable income, and a chance to be at the forefront of financial research.
The German PhD Model: A Salaried Path to Your Doctorate
Before diving into the specifics of the Leuphana opportunity, it’s essential to understand the landscape of doctoral studies in Germany. Unlike the scholarship-based models prevalent in many other countries, a significant number of PhD positions in Germany are offered as salaried employment.
In my experience advising aspiring academics, this is one of the most appealing aspects of pursuing a doctorate in Germany. These positions, often titled Wissenschaftlicher* Mitarbeiterin (Research Associate), mean you are not just a student; you are a valued member of a university’s research and teaching staff.
What this typically means for you:
- A Stable Income: You receive a competitive salary under the German public service pay scale (Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst der Länder, TV-L), most commonly at the E13 level. This provides financial stability, allowing you to focus entirely on your research.
- Social Security Benefits: Your employment contract includes health insurance, pension contributions, and other social security benefits.
- Integrated Role: You will actively contribute to the work of your institute, often involving teaching undergraduate or master’s level courses, collaborating on research projects, and participating in academic conferences.
This model reflects a deep respect for the intellectual work of doctoral candidates, treating them as professional researchers from day one.
The Opportunity: Research Associate in Entrepreneurial Finance at Leuphana University
Leuphana University of Lüneburg has carved out a reputation for its interdisciplinary approach and its strong focus on pressing societal challenges, including sustainability, digital transformation, and, crucially, entrepreneurship. The Institute of Management, Accounting & Finance (IMAF) is a cornerstone of this vision.
Within the IMAF, the professorship for Business Administration, in particular Entrepreneurial Finance, led by Prof. Dr. Henning Schröder, is currently seeking a motivated researcher to join their team. This is more than just a PhD program; it is a chance to immerse yourself in high-impact research within a supportive and dynamic environment.
Here’s a snapshot of what this exciting role entails:
| Key Aspect | Description | Source |
| Position Title | Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in) | IMAF Job Board |
| Primary Goal | Attainment of a doctoral degree (Dr. rer. pol. or Dr. phil.) through independent research. | Doctoral Research Group at Leuphana |
| Research Focus Areas | The professorship explores the intersection of Entrepreneurial Finance, Corporate Finance, Sustainable Finance, and Corporate Strategy. This offers a broad and relevant field for impactful dissertation projects. | Professorship of Entrepreneurial Finance |
| Application Deadline | The application period for this and related positions at the faculty concludes on September 30, 2025. | IMAF Job Board |
This is your chance to contribute to a field that is shaping the future of business and to do so within an institution that values both academic rigor and real-world relevance.
Are You the Right Candidate? Decoding the Eligibility Criteria
While the specific, detailed requirements are outlined in the official application documents on the university’s job board, successful applicants for such positions typically share a common profile. Building a strong application means demonstrating that you not only meet but exceed these expectations.
Essential Qualifications:
- Excellent Academic Record: A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Business Administration, Economics, Business Informatics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field with outstanding grades is a prerequisite.
- Strong Research Interest: You must demonstrate a genuine and well-researched interest in the core topics of the professorship—be it venture capital, sustainable finance, or corporate strategy.
- Quantitative Skills: Proficiency in statistical software such as Stata, R, or Python is crucial for empirical financial research. Experience with financial databases is a significant advantage.
- Language Proficiency: Excellent command of English is essential, as much of the research and coursework is conducted in English. A good knowledge of German is often beneficial for teaching and daily life.
- Soft Skills: Independence, a structured work ethic, and a collaborative spirit are key. You need to be a team player who can also drive your own research project forward with dedication.
I’ve seen many successful applicants distinguish themselves by going beyond the basics. They don’t just state their interest; they articulate a potential research question that aligns perfectly with the professor’s work.
Crafting Your Application: A Step-by-Step Guide
With the September 30, 2025, deadline on the horizon, now is the time to prepare. A compelling application is a meticulously crafted one. Here’s how to approach it:
1. Deep Dive into the Research
Before you write a single word, immerse yourself in the work of Prof. Dr. Henning Schröder and the IMAF. Read their recent publications. Understand their methodological approaches. What are the key questions they are currently exploring? This knowledge is the foundation of a tailored application.
2. The Research Proposal: Your Academic Blueprint
This is the heart of your application. Your proposal (typically 3-5 pages) should not be a generic statement. It must:
- Identify a Gap: Clearly articulate a specific research problem or question within entrepreneurial finance that is both interesting and feasible.
- Align with the Institute: Explicitly connect your proposed research to the ongoing projects and expertise at the professorship. Show that you are not just applying for a PhD, but this PhD.
- Outline Your Methodology: Briefly describe the research methods you intend to use. Will it be a quantitative study using archival data? A qualitative analysis based on interviews?
- Create a Timeline: Propose a realistic timeline for completing your dissertation within the typical three-year timeframe.
3. The Motivation Letter: Telling Your Story
Your CV lists your achievements; your motivation letter gives them meaning. This is your opportunity to connect the dots for the hiring committee.
- Start with a Hook: Begin by stating your clear intention to apply for the Research Associate position in Entrepreneurial Finance.
- Narrate Your Journey: Explain how your academic and professional experiences have led you to this specific research interest.
- Show, Don’t Just Tell: Instead of saying you are “hardworking,” describe a complex project you successfully completed. Instead of claiming to be a “team player,” mention a collaborative research paper.
- End with a Vision: Conclude by reiterating your enthusiasm for the position and your vision for contributing to the research at Leuphana University.
4. Gather Your Documents
Ensure all your documents are in order and, if necessary, officially translated into German or English. This typically includes:
- Your detailed CV (without a photo, as is standard in Germany).
- University degree certificates and transcripts of records.
- Your research proposal.
- Your letter of motivation.
- Proof of language proficiency.
- Letters of recommendation (if required).
Check the official job posting on the IMAF Stellenbörse for the definitive list and the link to the downloadable application details.
FAQ
Q1: Is this a scholarship or a job?
This is a salaried position as a Research Associate (Wissenschaftlicher* Mitarbeiterin). This is the standard model for many fully funded PhD opportunities in Germany and includes a regular income and social security benefits.
Q2: Do I need to speak German?
While the research and doctoral colloquia are often in English, good German skills are highly advantageous for teaching duties and for daily life in Germany. Check the specific job description for the exact language requirements.
Q3: What is the salary for this position?
Research associate positions are typically compensated according to the TV-L E13 pay scale. The exact monthly salary depends on your experience level but is highly competitive and allows for a comfortable standard of living.
Q4: Can I apply if my Master’s degree is still in progress?
Yes, you can typically apply in the final year of your Master’s program. You will need to provide your most recent transcripts, and the degree must be completed before you officially begin the position.
