PhD Position in Economics (m/f/d)
Your tasks
- You will conduct innovative and high-quality research on Rational Inattention and costly learning.
- You will have time dedicated to advancing your own independent research agenda.
- You will actively contribute to the project's research activities, from developing theory, coding and/or experiments to the drafting and publishing of academic papers.
- You will support the teaching initiatives of the team and contribute to the organization of occasional workshops.
- You will be part of a vibrant research community in the institute and the department. You are expected to attend seminars, provide feedback on other's research, and contribute to the preparation of grant proposals.
- The position is based in the beautiful city of St.Gallen, Switzerland,and requires regular presence at the department.
Your profile
- A master degree (completed or near completion) in Economics or Mathematics, with a strong background in experimental economics, numerical methods and/or economic theory.
- Enthusiasm and ambition for conducting high-quality research.
- Hands-on experience with designing and running experiments (lab, online, or field) is highly desirable.
- Ability to work independently, think creatively and contribute collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.
- Effective written and verbal English-language communication and time management skills.
Project Overview:
We study costly learning in strategic choices. Specifically, the project aims to:
- Develop numeric algorithms that efficiently determine the optimal rational inattentive choice for a range of learning cost functions.
- Use these algorithms to simulate the behavioral impact of different cost functions in concrete settings, and compare it with documented patterns of behavior.
- Design and deploy an experimental protocol that allows us to measure perceived learning costs.
- Implement the protocol in several choice experiments (both online and in the lab) to identify key features that drive the cost of learning.
- Experimentally compare perceived versus experienced learning costs to uncover potential biases.
- Identify how risk attitudes shape the agent's incentives to learn.
How to apply:
Applications should include a cover letter, two letters of reference, a curriculum vitae, and copies of grade transcripts and certificates (see also https://www.unisg.ch/en/studying/admission/admission-phd/economics-and-econometrics/).
In the cover letter, briefly describe your research interests, your motivation for joining the project, and how your background fits the position. If you have any academic publications or working papers, please include a copy with your application. Please arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent directly to Prof. Dr. Michèle Müller-Itten at michele.mueller-itten@unisg.ch.
Application Deadline:
Review of applications will start immediately and continue until the position is
filled. For further information about this position, please contact Prof. Michèle
Müller-Itten (michele.mueller-itten@unisg.ch).
Inspirational Work Environment
Executive Education
Network
Family & Career
Equal Opportunities
Fit and Healthy
Inspirational Work Environment
At the HSG, as Europe's leading business university, we operate in an entrepreneurial environment where you will meet highly qualified, ambitious experts - both regionally and internationally. For example, you benefit from a modern IT infrastructure and, in our library via HSGswisscovery, from nationwide access to the wealth of scientific information available.
Executive Education
We support internal and external executive education opportunities. Our internal executive education programme offers you a practical, dedicated and didactically mature transfer of knowledge in the form of seminars, e-learning, coaching and collegial advice. We support task-specific external training and executive education financially as well as with regard to the time required.
Network
We promote our culture of cross-functional collaboration and create space for forging valuable relationships - also with external partners. Regular exchanges and internal events help to strengthen these relationships and make them long-lasting.
Family & Career
We provide our employees with flexible work time models with a variable number of hours per week. As a family-friendly employer, we offer part-time positions, 16 weeks of maternity leave and a subsidised crèche, as well as support with childcare during the vacations.
Equal Opportunities
The University enables equal opportunities for all employees and students. This applies to degree courses and work, as well as academic careers, university management positions and the reconciliation of studies, work and private commitments. We are committed to this with various measures in the areas of teaching, research, administration and the Presidency.
Fit and Healthy
We help you stay fit and healthy. In addition to our diverse range of sports activities at the university, most of which are free of charge, and campaign weeks for corporate health management, we also offer you fruit in the workplace. In our canteen you will find a wide selection of freshly prepared meals - from vegetarian to fish dishes - at discounted prices.
Further information on working at the HSG can be found here.
For job-related questions
Assistant Professor of Microeconomics
"I'm excited to work on this project with you!"
Institute Manager Administration ERP-HSG
"I'm looking forward to welcome you as a new team member at ERP-HSG."
Your place of work
University of St.Gallen
«A place where knowledge is created» - As one of Europe's leading universities of economics and business administration, the University of St.Gallen (HSG), Switzerland, is committed to the education of over 9800 students. The HSG is one of the largest employers in the region and provides an attractive and innovative environment for more than 3300 researchers, educators and professional staff.
