Ph.D. candidate in field experiments at the intersection of economics and higher education

Research Project: Field Experiments at the Intersection of Economics and Higher Education

Dropout rates in higher education are high, and this is costly for a variety of reasons. This research project involves designing and evaluating field experiments aimed at reducing dropout rates and increasing academic success.

The first project the PhD candidate will work on involves the design and evaluation of the “first-generation student program,” a series of educational modules aimed at helping (primarily) first-generation students successfully complete their higher education and prepare for the job market. Co-designing these educational modules is part of the project.

Other field experiments may involve interventions aimed at promoting, for example, mental health and social safety. In the various projects, the PhD candidate will work closely with faculty members, researchers, and policy staff at Leiden University.

The position involves the following duties:

• Conducting innovative research and designing and evaluating field experiments at the intersection of economics and higher education;
• Helping to develop educational modules for the “first-generation student program”;
• Close collaboration with faculty, researchers, and policy staff in designing field experiments;
• Writing a dissertation;
• Submit research results for publication in scientific journals;
• Delivering presentations at international conferences and actively participating in seminars, workshops, and conferences;
• Actively disseminate research findings to both academic and non-academic audiences;
• Teaching in the programs of the Department of Economics;
• Pursuing an education based on an individualized education plan.

Selection criteria:

• A master’s degree in economics, public administration, psychology, education, econometrics, or another related field;
• Excellent skills in quantitative research methods and writing, demonstrated through a bachelor’s or master’s thesis and/or publications;
• Extensive experience using statistical software (e.g., Stata or R);
• Excellent command of both English and Dutch;
• Ability to work well as part of a team.

Team

You will be part of a team of other junior and senior researchers working on related projects. We strive to conduct research that has a societal impact, celebrate our successes—both big and small—and look out for one another. In addition, we value a healthy work-life balance and offer flexibility to balance work with other responsibilities. You will start as part of a cohort with at least four other PhD students.

Our department

The Department of Economics is a young and dynamic team with locations in Leiden and The Hague. The department has grown steadily and will continue to grow with the new bachelor’s and master’s programs in The Hague. The department has a reputation for collaborating in teams on joint research projects, while individual researchers simultaneously enjoy the autonomy and flexibility to pursue other research interests. Within the broad field of economics, the department’s activities focus on socioeconomic policy, law and economics, and the functioning of the labor market and social security. The department offers courses for various degree programs, such as political science, public administration, liberal arts, and law. In addition, the department, in collaboration with the Institute of Public Administration, organizes the bachelor’s program “Economics, Public Administration, and Management” and the master’s program “Economics & Governance.” We are also developing new bachelor’s and master’s programs in The Hague, scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025.

Our faculty

The Department of Economics is part of the Faculty of Law. The Faculty of Law is located in Leiden and The Hague and, with over 6,500 students and approximately 650 staff members, is one of the largest faculties in the Netherlands. The faculty focuses on innovative multidisciplinary research and a constantly evolving curriculum based on societal issues. Our faculty is large enough to make a difference nationally and internationally, yet small enough to provide personalized education.

Terms and Conditions:

• We offer a stimulating and intellectually challenging work environment that fosters personal development;
• The position is for 0.8–1.0 FTE;
• The appointment is for a period of four years (initially for one year, with a three-year extension following a positive evaluation). The appointment is subject to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for Dutch universities;
• Start date: September 1, 2023, or October 1, 2023 (some flexibility is possible);
• The (full-time) gross annual salary is set at €35,462 in the first year and increases to €45,315 in the final year. This includes vacation pay (8%) and a year-end bonus (8.3%);
• In addition, Leiden University offers attractive employment conditions. These include an end-of-year bonus (8.3%), a vacation allowance (8%), excellent training opportunities, paid parental leave, and the option to customize your employment conditions through a flexible benefits plan;
• For more information about the terms of employment,click here.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University strives to become 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 education and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research are inclusive.

Information:

Questions may be directed toDr. Max van Lent. Information about the Department of Economics can be found onthis page.

Job Application:

Applications for this position can be submitted via the blue button on our online system. Please be sure to upload the following supporting documents, including 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 another significant writing sample;
• Copies of your academic transcripts;
• At this time, it is not necessary to submit references or letters of recommendation.

Only applications received by July 24, 2023, will be considered.

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