PhD Candidate in Labor Market Mobility

Research Project: An Empirical Analysis of Structural Changes and Labor Market Mobility

Labor markets are being reshaped by several major structural changes. Technological change, (de)globalization, population aging, immigration, and the green transition are having a major impact on the demand for and supply of labor. For example, automation and decarbonization will render certain jobs and tasks obsolete, but at the same time create demand for new jobs and tasks. This dynamic process increases the need for firms and workers to be flexible, as well as the need for reskilling and upskilling. This also raises distributional concerns. Automation and green initiatives affect low-, intermediate-, and high-skilled workers differently. These groups also face different challenges when it comes to reskilling and upskilling. While these processes have been affecting labor markets for some time, there is still relatively little evidence on their interplay with job and worker flows.

The aim of this project is to analyze the impact of the aforementioned major societal transitions on the labor market, with a focus on job and worker mobility from old to new occupations and sectors. The project has two main subthemes: 1) long-run effects of occupational and sectoral mobility, 2) worker mobility and the green transition. The first subtheme has a broader and historical focus, and aims to analyze different forms of job mobility and their labor market implications for different groups of workers and firms over the past decades. The second subtheme is more forward-looking and focuses on mobility between green and brown jobs in the context of the green transition. In your analysis, you will use both administrative and survey data from Statistics Netherlands, as well as administrative and survey data for European countries—such as the European Labor Force Survey and/or EU-SILC—and apply state-of-the-art empirical techniques.

The position involves the following responsibilities:

• Conduct innovative research on the topic of major structural changes and labor market mobility;
• 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 empirical 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);
• An interest in applied microeconomics and working with large datasets is considered an asset;
• 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 coordinating a large European research program (TransEuroWorkS) on labor market transformations, and we have a research project on theflexibilization of the labor market. 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 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 Steenschuur in Leiden. The Department of Economics also has offices in The Hague. Working for 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 Ron Diris (r.e.m.diris@law.leidenuniv.nl) or Egbert Jongen (e.l.w.jongen@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 our online 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.