PhD Candidate: Distributional Effects of Climate Policy

The Department of Economics at Leiden Law School, Leiden University, has an opening for a:

PhD Candidate: Distributional Effects of Climate Policy (0.8–1.0 FTE)

Job Opening Number: 13691

The research project: “Distributional Effects of Climate Policy and Societal Support: Toward a Socially Sustainable Climate Transition”

Climate change is a more pressing issue than ever, and this is the perfect opportunity to get involved! Governments around the world have committed to limiting temperature increases to no more than 2 degrees compared to pre-industrial levels. However, the climate legislation currently in place is not yet far-reaching enough to achieve this ambitious goal. One of the reasons climate legislation is lagging behind is resistance from groups in society that oppose the perceived effects of such legislation. It therefore seems of utmost importance that climate legislation be carefully designed to ensure that society trusts that the policies contribute to a “just energy transition.”

The economic literature has long recognized and discussed the broader economic and social implications of climate legislation. For example, the literature has examined how revenues from a carbon tax can be used to mitigate adverse effects on the labor market and income distribution. Most studies focus on a variation of the question: how does a carbon tax, in combination with different options for using its revenues, affect income distribution? This focus on vertical equity overlooks the issue of horizontal equity. Climate legislation may have very different effects on people who are similar in terms of income but who differ in other respects, such as whether they live in a rural or an urban area. Such horizontal inequities may be crucial in understanding societal support for climate legislation. In addition to this, climate policy instruments other than a carbon tax have received much less attention in the literature, although they may be promising in terms of horizontal equity.

The project aims to answer the following research question: What are the effects of climate legislation on both vertical equity (across income groups) and horizontal equity (within income groups), and how do these effects influence public support for climate legislation?

As a PhD student, you will contribute to the empirical study of the distributional effects of climate policies in the Netherlands. For example, you could first examine who benefits from subsidies for home insulation, switching to renewable heat sources, or purchasing an electric car; who is most affected by regulations that reduce the number of fossil-fueled cars; or how the labor market prospects of various groups are impacted by climate policies. In this way, you will generate detailed information that will contribute to both scientific research and the public debate regarding the effects of climate policy on different population groups. Second, you may study citizens’ preferences for climate policies and the trade-offs they make—for example, between efficiency and different forms of equity. Together, these insights will help identify which policy mixes are most promising for achieving a climate transition that is both environmentally and socially sustainable.

The position involves the following responsibilities:

• Conduct innovative research on the distributional effects of climate policy and public support;
• Write a PhD thesis;
• Submit research results for publication in academic journals;
• Present papers at international conferences;
• Participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences;
• Actively disseminate research findings to both academic and non-academic audiences;
• Teach in the programs of the Department of Economics;
• Follow PhD courses based on an individual training plan.

Selection Criteria

• A master’s degree in economics, public administration, or political science;
• Excellent skills in quantitative research methods and writing, as demonstrated by a bachelor’s or master’s thesis, a single-authored course paper, and/or publications;
• Experience using statistical software (e.g., Stata, R);
• A clear interest in climate policy and issues of distribution.
• An excellent command of English; knowledge of Dutch is considered an advantage;
• Ability to work well in teams.

Team

You will work in a team with other junior and senior researchers who are working on closely related projects. For example, the department is participating in an interdisciplinary research project on a just energy transition (JustETrans). The department is also collaborating with the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL). We work together to make a difference, celebrate our successes—both big and small—and look out for one another. Moreover, a good work-life balance is important to us, and we offer the flexibility to combine work with other responsibilities. You will start in a cohort with three other PhD candidates. We also have vacancies for three other PhD positions:https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/law/institute-for-tax-law-and-economics/economics/vacancies.

Our Department

TheDepartment of Economicsis a young, vibrant research community with offices in Leiden and The Hague. The department has been growing steadily and will continue to grow with the new bachelor’s and master’s programs in The Hague. The department is known for its collaborative approach to joint research projects, while at the same time giving individual researchers the autonomy and flexibility to pursue other research interests as well. Within the broad field of economics, the department’s activities focus on socio-economic policy, law and economics, the functioning of the labor market, and social security. The department offers courses for a number of degree programs, such as political science, public administration, liberal arts, and law. Furthermore, the department co-organizes the bachelor’s program “Economics, Governance, and Management” and the master’s program “Economics and Governance” with the Institute of Public Administration. In addition, we are developing new bachelor’s and master’s programs in The Hague that are scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025.

Our Faculty

The Department of Economics is part ofLeiden Law School (ranked #1 in the Netherlands for the subject of law and #21 in the 2022 QS World University Rankings by Subject). Leiden Law School is located in Leiden and The Hague. With more than 6,500 students and around 1,000 staff members, it is one of the largest university faculties in the Netherlands. The faculty focuses on innovative multidisciplinary research and educational programs that are constantly updated in response to societal issues. Our faculty is large enough to make a difference nationally and internationally, yet small enough to offer personalized education. This is how we contribute to a safe and sustainable world, every single day. The Faculty is housed in the beautifully restored Kamerlingh Onnes Building on the Steenschuur in Leiden. The Department of Economics also has offices in The Hague. Working for the Leiden Law School means working in a welcoming and inspiring academic environment.

Terms & Conditions

• We offer a stimulating and intellectually challenging work environment that fosters personal growth and is committed to making a difference in addressing key societal challenges.
• The PhD position is for 0.8–1.0 FTE.
• The appointment as a PhD student will be for a period of four to five years (initially for one year, with an extension of three to four years following a positive evaluation of progress and skill development), leading to the successful completion of a PhD thesis. The appointment will be governed by the terms of the Collective Labor Agreement (CAO) for Dutch universities.
• Start date: September 1, 2023 (some flexibility is possible).
• The (full-time) gross annual salary is set at €35,462 in the first year, increasing to €45,315 in the final year. This includes vacation pay (8%) and a year-end bonus (8.3%).
• Leiden University offers excellent employment conditions, including an attractive benefits package with training and career development opportunities (such as language courses, teaching courses, and project management courses), support from the PhD dean, and we promote a healthy work-life balance through flexible working hours and various leave arrangements. Our "individual choices" model also gives you some freedom to tailor your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
• For more information on the terms and conditions of employment, clickhere.

Diversity

Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community that enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to reach their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality teaching and research are inclusive. We therefore especially welcome applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Information

For inquiries, please contact Marion Collewet (m.m.f.collewet@law.leidenuniv.nl) or Hendrik Vrijburg (h.vrijburg@law.leidenuniv.nl). Information about the Department of Economics can be foundhere.

Applications

Applications for this position can be submitted via the blue button on ouronline system. Please be sure to upload the following additional documents, citing the job posting number:

• A cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position;
• A resume;
• Your bachelor's or master's thesis or other major writing project;
• Copies of your academic transcripts;
• At this stage, it is not necessary to submit references or letters of recommendation.

Only applications received by June 8, 2023, will be considered. The selection process will take place in June 2023.

We do not welcome unsolicited inquiries regarding this advertisement.