PhD in Behavioral/Experimental Economics and Economic Theory

Welcome to Maastricht University!
Are you interested in using economic tools to tackle challenges related to climate change, healthcare shortages and the design of fair and efficient markets? Are you excited about advancing economic theory and measuring citizens’ preferences and attitudes on a large scale?

At Maastricht University, you will have the opportunity to join an international, interdisciplinary team of researchers at the School of Business and Economics (SBE) and to conduct innovative research that is both scientifically rigorous and socially relevant.

PhD candidate in Behavioral/Experimental Economics and Economic Theory

The Department of Microeconomics and Public Economics is looking for a PhD candidate in behavioral/experimental economics and economic theory to join the new project “Who bans what? Large-scale evidence for the aversion against market transactions and its implications for policy design” that is funded by an NWO Open Competition M grant.

Many market transactions face substantial opposition or are banned based on feelings of aversion against these transactions. Your research will generate insights into why people reject markets in critical domains like health and the environment, and how better-designed institutions can increase societal acceptance.

As a PhD candidate, you will design and conduct large-scale economic experiments and surveys, analyze rich datasets, and build microeconomic models that explain behavior and predict the impact of different policies to improve the societal acceptance of market mechanisms and market transactions.

You will work closely with the project leaders, Prof. Dr. Vitali Gretschko (University of Münster) and Prof. Dr. Peter Werner (Maastricht University), and join a vibrant international research community in behavioral/experimental economics and market design.

Are you ready to push the boundaries of research and make a difference? Then we look forward to meeting you.

What you bring

It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about who you are and what you contribute. Do you recognize yourself in the following?

• Curious and motivated – You are eager to conduct independent, high-quality research.
• Analytical mindset – You have excellent quantitative and conceptual skills.
• Strong academic background – You hold (or will obtain by winter 2025/2026) a Master’s degree (MSc or MPhil) in Economics, Econometrics, Finance, Mathematics, Business Administration, or a related field. Graduation from a two-year Master’s programme (120 ECTS) is an advantage.
• Research skills – Knowledge of econometric methods, statistical software (e.g., Stata or R), or experience with economic experiments is an advantage.

• Independent yet collaborative – You can work autonomously while thriving in a team-based environment. You have good organizational skills.

• Excellent communication – You are fluent in written and spoken English.

If you don’t fully meet all starting requirements yet, a part-time pre-PhD position may sometimes be offered to allow you to prepare.

What we offer
As PhD in Behavioral/Experimental Economics and Economic Theory at School of Business and Economics, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale P according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €3059,00 and €3881,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 18 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 2,5 years will follow. 
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model. 
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students. 
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'. 
   

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?
At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM. 

The School of Business and Economics
The School of Business and Economics (SBE) is one of Maastricht University’s six faculties. Our mission is to contribute to a better world by addressing societal problems, by co-creating knowledge and developing team players and leaders for the future.

By joining SBE, you will be part of the 1% of business schools worldwide to be Triple Crown accredited (EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA). You will join an inspiring and international environment, where learning and development is priority. 

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Peter Werner at p.werner@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information. 

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD in Behavioral/Experimental Economics and Economic Theory? Apply now, no later than October 12th, for this position.

To apply for a PhD position, you must submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivation letter (at most one page)
• Diplomas/degrees including Master and Bachelor grade transcript
• Two letters of reference (to be sent in by the referees)
• TOEFL/IELTS/Cambridge Proficiency Exam
• GMAT/GRE test score

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.