PhD Candidate in Economics and Data Science

Research Project: Housing Search in a Digitalized World

The internet has come to play an important role in the housing search. Online housing platforms, in particular, have drastically changed the way people search for housing. This research project analyzes buyer search and decision-making using novel big data from a large digital housing platform in the Netherlands. The use of novel big data makes it possible to empirically investigate the housing search from a buyer’s perspective in greater detail than before. It opens up unique opportunities to empirically test the extent to which prevailing housing search theories apply to the new digital context. Importantly, the innovative nature of the big data makes it possible to link online search behavior to actual market outcomes.

The current housing affordability issues and supply-side shortages present a significant societal challenge. This innovative project makes a major contribution to the field by offering important new insights into the housing search literature and a better understanding of the housing market. The findings of this research project, which lies at the intersection of housing economics and data science, offer relevant societal benefits, as they can contribute to market regulation, housing legislation, and housing policy.

The selected PhD candidate will have the opportunity to help address one of today’s most pressing societal challenges and to tackle key issues at the forefront of housing market research. The research findings, based on unique big data, will help shape the future research agenda and housing market policy.

The position involves the following responsibilities:

Conduct innovative research on the topic of online housing search and decision-making;

• Write a PhD thesis;
• Publish in academic journals;
• Present papers at international conferences;
• Actively disseminate the research findings;
• Organize and participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences as part of the program;
• Teach in the programs of the Department of Economics;
• Follow PhD courses based on an individual training plan.

Selection Criteria

• A (research) master’s degree in economics, econometrics, data science, or a related quantitative field;
• A demonstrated interest in (micro)economics and/or big data research; a specific interest in housing economics is considered an asset;
• 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); additional programming skills in Python and SQL are considered an asset;
• An excellent command of English; knowledge of Dutch is considered an advantage;
• An affinity for interdisciplinary research and the ability to work well in teams.

Team

You will work as part of a team with other junior and senior researchers who are working on closely related projects. We work together to make a difference, celebrate our successes—both big and small—and look out for one another. Furthermore, a good work-life balance is important to us, and we offer the flexibility to balance work with other responsibilities. You will start as part of a cohort with three other PhD candidates. We also have openings for three additional PhD positions: link.

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 their own 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 the new bachelor’s and master’s programs in The Hague, which are scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025.

Our Faculty

The Department of Economics is part of theLeiden 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 and 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 Joep Steegmans (j.w.a.m.steegmans@law.leidenuniv.nl) or Bo Terpstra (b.l.terpstra@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 master's thesis or other major writing sample;
• Copies of your academic transcripts (including grades);
• 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.