The Department of Quantitative Economics (QE), School of Business and Economics (SBE) of
Maastricht University is offering a 4-year PhD position for students with a (Research) Master degree
or equivalent. We are seeking candidates who are interested in joining the interdisciplinary research
project “Not Stuck in a Rut: Analyzing Patient Heterogeneity and Time Variation in the Course of
Depression”.

Mental disorders, such as depression, currently affect approximately 450 million individuals suffering
from them worldwide. This project aims to develop time series models that can help decide which
treatments are effective for which patients, and when, thereby avoid patients getting “stuck in a rut”.
Special attention will be given to developing data-driven time series models for analyzing mental
health data, incorporating expert information in statistical models and Bayesian inference methods.
The developed models will deal with statistical problems also present in other fields such as
macroeconomics and finance. The starting point for the methodology will be existing econometrics
literature for modeling different trajectories (time series models) and groups of individuals with
distinct properties (unobserved heterogeneity). For an overall project description, see
www.nwo.nl/en/research-and-results/research-projects/i/54/33654.html.

We offer a dynamic and challenging job in an internationally oriented organisation where students
receive an advanced education and scholars conduct exciting research. The PhD candidate will have
the unique opportunity to carry out research at QE which is nested in the research programme at the Graduate School of Business and Economics (GSBE) and will contribute to the development and
outreach of its research. The candidate will be part of an international network of top universities and renowned scholars within the field.

Profile of the candidate:

• Research (Master) degree or equivalent
• self-motivated, curious and interested in research
• a record of high academic achievement (e.g. good grades and/or involvement in other academic activities)
• skills required to become an excellent researcher

Fixed-term contract: 4-year PhD position.

Remuneration will be according to standard salary levels for PhD students starting with a salary of €
2.325,- with a yearly growth to € 2.972,- gross a month (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. If you do not already live in
Maastricht (or its direct surroundings), you will be eligible for an allowance for moving costs. If you do not already live in Maastricht (or its direct surroundings), you might be eligible for an allowance for alternative housing.

Other secondary conditions include a pension scheme, corporate fitness plan 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, see: http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees.

Maastricht University

Established in 1976, Maastricht University (UM) is the most international university in the
Netherlands and renowned for its innovative, student-centered, problem-based learning system.
With approximately 18,000 students and 4,400 employees, UM offers a wide choice of bachelor’s,
master’s and PhD programs, all of which are designed to integrate research and education.
Maastricht University is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is
concentrated in research institutes and schools linked to the university’s six 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 and Faculty of Psychology and
Neuroscience.

International orientation
UM is a bilingual (Dutch & English) university. The wide range of programs with a strong international and European orientation, are mostly taught in English. At SBE all courses are taught in English. Almost half of the student population and a third of the staff is non-Dutch, and Maastricht University has partnerships with universities and organizations throughout the world in both research and education.

Maastricht University is renowned for its innovative, problem-based learning system, which is
characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is multidisciplinary
and thematic. Reflecting UM’s strong innovative and international profile, increasing diversity of staff
(in nationality, age and gender) is essential and a core strategic goal. The university is dedicated to
stimulating the career development of young academics, as well as increasing the number of women in leadership positions. Maastricht University actively encourages applications from candidates of all genders, ethnicities, and nationalities. Therefore we strongly encourage all qualified people to apply.

Department of Quantitative Economics

School of Business and Economics
SBE is the youngest economics and business faculty in the Netherlands with a distinctively
international profile. It belongs to the 1% of business schools worldwide to be triple-crown accredited (EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA). SBE strongly believes in close connections with its academic partners and societal stakeholders, with its students and alumni, and with businesses and organisations in the Limburg Euregion, the Netherlands, Europe and the rest of the world. SBE is committed to increasing the gender diversity of its academic community and wants to stimulate the creation of a more diverse and inclusive community.

Department of Quantitative Economics
The QE department has a strong research record in econometrics, operations research and economic theory. It is largely responsible for the bachelor and master programs in Econometrics and Operations Research, including Mathematical Economics and Actuarial Science, with yearly enrollment of around 90 bachelor and 35 master students.