Introduction

The position focuses on understanding and improving financial decision-making, exploring topics such as decision-making under risk, sustainable investments, ethical considerations in finance, financial regulation, and financial advice.

Position Description

The successful candidate will join the Behavioural Economics group within the Department of Applied Economics at Erasmus School of Economics (ESE). This interdisciplinary team combines insights from economics, finance, and psychology, with research published in top journals like Econometrica, The Review of Financial Studies, Management Science, and Experimental Economics.

The aim of this PhD position is to advance knowledge of financial decision-making in complex environments. You will explore factors influencing behavior and develop interventions to promote better decision-making. The research will involve designing and quantitatively evaluating experiments, contributing to impactful studies in behavioral finance and economics.

The candidate will collaborate with Dr. J.E. Rose and another supervisor from the research group. You will have the opportunity to affiliate with either the Tinbergen Institute or the Erasmus Research Institute in Management (ERIM), depending on your preferences and chosen research topic.

As a final output, the candidate is expected to write at least three academic papers (cumulative PhD thesis), targeting top-tier journals in economics, finance, and related disciplines.

Eligibility Requirements

Educational Background:

• Preferred: MPhil or Research Master’s degree in Economics, Econometrics, Mathematics, or Physics.
• Candidates with an MSc or MA degree are required to complete one year of coursework at a graduate school (Tinbergen Institute or ERIM).

Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong academic performance in bachelor’s and master’s programs.
• Demonstrated interest and motivation for research, outlined in a statement of purpose.
• Proficiency in quantitative research methods and experimental design.

Test Requirements:

• GRE (revised General Test) results, with a minimum score of 160 in Quantitative Reasoning.
• English proficiency for non-native speakers:
  • TOEFL iBT score ≥100 or IELTS score ≥7, or
  • Completion of university education in English.

Required Documents:

• Statement of purpose.
• Two academic reference letters (preferably from thesis or research supervisors).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).

What We Offer

Employment Terms:

• Full-time position (38 hours/week).
• Salary: €2,901–€3,707/month (gross) according to the Dutch Universities Collective Labour Agreement (CAO-NU).
• Initial contract: 18 months, extendable upon positive evaluation.
• Duration: 3 years (MPhil) or 4 years (MSc/MA).

Benefits:

• Work-Life Balance:
  • 41 days of paid leave (40-hour contract).
  • Flexible work-from-home options.
  • 8% holiday pay and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Professional Development:
  • Personal career budget and training opportunities.
  • Free access to the university library and development days.
• Inclusivity and Support:
  • A diverse, inclusive environment with support for dual careers.
  • Relocation assistance and eligibility for the 30% tax ruling for international hires.
• Family Benefits:
  • Parental leave (partially paid).
  • On-campus daycare facilities (costs not covered by EUR).
• Additional Perks:
  • Discounted access to on-campus sports facilities.
  • Bicycle budget and insurance discounts.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their application online by 15 January 2025. Applications must include the following:

1. Statement of purpose outlining your research interests and motivation.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. GRE scores.
4. Proof of English proficiency (if applicable).
5. Two academic reference letters.

Applications will be reviewed by supervisors and recruitment committees. Interviews may be part of the selection process.