PhD-positions in field of Operations Research & Econometrics

The Department of Quantitative Economics at Maastricht University School of Business and Economics is looking to fill 2 PhD positions in the field of Operations Research & Econometrics.

Job Descriptions
We have two PhD positions, both fully funded for four years, according to the labour agreement of Dutch universities. Both contain a moderate teaching load of at most 25%. The first PhD position is within the Operations Research group, the second one is within the Econometrics group. Details about the two groups can be found here: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/department-quantitative-economics.

For the Operations Research position, preference is for candidates who are interested in topics that lie on the border of optimization by the use of heuristic algorithms and (Explainable) Artificial Intelligence ((X)AI). Specifically, in this position, the chosen candidate will conduct research on how machine learning techniques or XAI can be leveraged by heuristic algorithms, or conversely, how heuristics can be enhanced by incorporating machine learning techniques. Research proposals on these topics are welcome, but not mandatory. Also candidates with a broader interest in Operations Research and/or Data Science are invited to apply.

For the Econometrics position, preference is for candidates interested at the intersection of time series econometrics and machine learning. The chosen candidate will conduct research on using machine learning methods such as artificial neural networks for modelling latent time series through state space models. Topics that can be investigated include setting up machine learning methods for handling typical features of economic and climatological time series (such as strong persistence), developing inference methods for these machine learning tools, and considering applications to macroeconomics, text analytics and climatology. Given the nature of the project, preference will be given to candidates interested in theoretical and computational research. Brief research statements of candidates are appreciated but not mandatory. 
 

Requirements
Candidates need to hold a master's degree (or be close to completion) in operations research, econometrics, data science, mathematics, computer science, or an equivalent study program and should demonstrate excellent study results. Proficient programming skills are required (ideally Python, R , Julia or C++). Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.

Candidates are expected to start preferably September 1, 2025.

We have a large and culturally diverse PhD community in our department, and welcome enthusiastic, talented new PhD students.
 

 What we offer
As PhD-positions in field of Operations Research & Econometrics 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 €2901,00 and €3707,00 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. 

 
Department

The department of Quantitative Economics of Maastricht School of Business and Economics conducts research in the area of Actuarial Sciences, Econometrics, Mathematical Economics and Game Theory, and Operations Research. Members of the department teach in the BSc and MSc programme in Econometrics & Operations Research as well as several quantitative courses in other BSc and MSc programmes of SBE. Both in teaching and research the department achieves excellent standards. The department publishes papers in highly ranked international scientific journals, such as Journal of Econometrics, Games and Economic Behaviour, and Operations Research.
For more information on the department as well as their members, see https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/department-quantitative-economics

Curious?

Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Lissa Melis lissa.melis@maastrichtuniversity.nl (Operations Research) and Tobias Hartl tobias.hartl@maastrichtuniversity.nl (Econometrics) for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD-positions in field of Operations Research & Econometrics? Apply now, no later than May 6, 2025, for this position.

Applicants are requested to submit the following:

• Motivation letter, including a description of a (general) subject that you want to work on for your PhD.
• CV
• grade list
• at least two reference letters by relevant scholars

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

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.