PhD positions on Inequality Dynamics at the Department of Macro, International and Labour Economics

Job Description
The Department of Macro, International and Labour Economics (MILE) at the School of Business and Economics (SBE) of Maastricht University will offer up to 3 PhD positions, starting September 1, 2025. These positions will be for 4 years and all work under a department-wide research theme of Inequality Dynamics.

The research theme on Inequality Dynamics focuses on understanding how past, contemporary and (expected) future environmental, political, and technological transformations differentially impact economic activity and well-being of firms, individuals, and societies. Particular focus lies on understanding these transformational processes – the dynamics – and on the heterogeneous paths through which adjustments take place, where inequality enters as either a determining feature or as an observable outcome of transitions. Combining micro- and macro-level approaches from different areas and subfields in economics, the insights generated by the research of this theme shed light on a variety of relevant questions facing societies across industrialized, emerging and developing economies.

Each selected candidate will work on one of a range of parallel projects giving complementary, yet distinct insights. These could include: 

• Investigating the link between central bank policies focused on the green transition and economic disparities. 
• Developing empirical measures of narratives around fiscal policy and inequality, then using these to expand our understanding of the medium- to long-run effects of fiscal stabilisation policies on income and wealth inequality. 
• Exploring the extent to which economic inequality is (causally) related to lifespan and health inequality, using these insights to develop inequality metrics that account for both differences in income/wealth and health/lifespan.

Requirements
Eligible candidates must have successfully completed a – preferably 2-year (120 ECTS or equivalent) – Master’s degree (MSc, MPhil or MRes) in (Quantitative) Economics, Econometrics, Computational Social Science or a related area before September 2025 and have an excellent command of English. We are looking for highly motivated candidates with strong technical skills who have a proven interest in economic research. Candidates are invited to express a preference for a specific project or propose one of their own which fits into the overall research theme. Applicants interested in submitting their own proposal are encouraged to do so within a European context.

 What we offer
As PhD positions on Inequality Dynamics at the Department of Macro, International and Labour Economics 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

More details about the team can be found here: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/mile/faculty-and-staff/faculty-mile.

For more information on the department see: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/department-macro-international-and-labour-economics-mile 
 

Curious?

Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact
julian.ashwin@maastrichtuniversity.nl, or michail.moatsos@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD positions on Inequality Dynamics at the Department of Macro, International and Labour Economics? Apply now, no later than April 30, 2025, for this position.

The first interviews preferably take place in May 2025. The second interviews will preferably be held in June.

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.