Job Utrecht University, School of Economics - PhD researcher Theoretical Microeconomics (1,0 fte)

While insights from psychology have been successfully integrated into mainstream economic theories in recent years, the focus has only recently shifted towards the analysis of how psychological effects can be used in a strategic setting. Sophisticated players may exploit the psychology of unsophisticated players to their advantage. This may affect how employers pay employees, and how firms communicate with consumers. These and similar phenomena are addressed theoretically and experimentally by the research group.

We are looking for candidates with proven interest in theoretical microeconomics and experimental research, preferably in the area of industrial organization, non-cooperative game theory or the economics of social networks.

Candidates will be able to adapt and further work out the specific focus and application of the project, within the context of the overall research project.

Project organization
The research project is lead by Prof dr. S. Rosenkranz. Prof dr. Rosenkranz is promoter, and dr. K. de Jaegher is co-promoter of the PhD candidate.

We are looking for an excellent and enthusiastic researcher with a research master's degree in economics and with a good knowledge of game theory and experimental economics. Applicants with other research master’s degrees will be considered as well, provided they can show some expertise in (game-) theoretical research.           

The ideal candidate will have:

• experience with conducting theoretical research and formal modeling;
• experience with conducting laboratory or field experiments;
• an affinity with interdisciplinary research;
• excellent communicative skills;
• affinity with and knowledge of game theory;
• a good command of the English language, both spoken and written. The dissertation is expected to be written in English.

We offer a PhD position (1,0 fte) with an initial 18 month contract, starting 1 November 2010. After a positive evaluation this contract can be extended to a maximum of 18 more months (a total of three years maximum). Salary starts at € 2,042.- gross per month in the first year and increases to € 2,612.- gross per month in the fourth year of employment (salary scale P Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities).

Utrecht University School of Economics (USE) is part of the Law, Economics and Governance Faculty of Utrecht University, one of the most reputable research universities in the Netherlands and Europe. USE presently has approximately 1,000 bachelor’s and master’s students and about 100 faculty employees. USE aims at world-standard economic teaching and research while encouraging multidisciplinary approaches and giving special attention to institutional, historical and spatial dimensions. In its activities, USE crosses disciplinary borders by collaborating actively with the faculties of Law, Geography, Social Science and History.

USE hosts a research group that is focusing on research questions on the interface of theoretical microeconomics and psychology.

A description of the research project Strategic Framing is available on request via dr. K. de Jaegher, e-mail: K.dejaegher@uu.nl. For more information please call (030) 253 9964 (dr. K. de Jaegher).