We are looking for a PhD candidate for an interdisciplinary research project investigating the impact of indoor environmental conditions on health, behaviour and productivity. The academic literature documents a clear detrimental effect of poor environmental conditions (extreme temperature, air pollution) on health and physical activity. In addition, very recent research provides first evidence suggesting a negative effect of environmental hazards on cognitive performance. The PhD project aims to extend the current knowledge on cognitive impairment by investigating underlying mechanisms and long-term effects.

The PhD project is a collaboration between three departments at Maastricht University: (i) Department of Finance, (ii) Department of Macro, International and Labour Economics, and (iii) Department of Human Biology NUTRIM.

We offer a 4-year PhD position, starting September 1, 2020. Eligible candidates must have successfully completed a Master’s degree (MSc or MPhil) in one of the following areas: (Quantitative) Economics, Econometrics, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related area (before September 2020) and have a good “competence” in written and spoken English. The candidate is expected to contribute to teaching activities, taking max. 20% of his/her time.

We offer a dynamic and challenging job in an internationally oriented organisation. The candidate will be part of an international network of top universities and renowned scholars within the field.

Are you self-motivated, curious and interested in research? Do you have a record of high academic achievement (e.g. good grades and/or involvement in other academic activities) and the skills required to become an excellent researcher? If so, than a PhD position at the School of Business and Economics might be the challenge you are looking for.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Remuneration will be according to standard salary levels for PhD students starting with a gross monthly salary of € 2.325,00 with a yearly growth to € 2.972,00 (based on a full-time appointment). Each year the standard salary is supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

You have to be willing to move to (the vicinity of) Maastricht. Depending on your personal situation, you will be eligible for an allowance for moving costs or for alternative housing. Other secondary conditions include a pension scheme and partially paid parental leave.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website: http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 18,000 students and 4,300 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.