Call for Phd Applicants in Economics and Social

**Date**:28 Nov 2024

**Location**: Esch-sur-Alzette, LU, L-4366

**Company**:LISER

**The **Luxembourg** Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER)**

**calls for**

**PhD applicants**

**in Economics and Social Sciences (f/m) - Ref: 24-28**

We particularly welcome applicants who would like to **develop a PhD project** along the research areas listed below, in collaboration between LISER, the University of Luxembourg or other universities abroad:
**_1) Modelling climate migration at the detailed geographic level and its evolution over time_**

**(Supervisors**:Prof. Christina Gathmann**, **Dr. Joël Machado**)**

Work with and simulate a model of climate change and migration using detailed pixel data for several continents.

**_2) _**_Modeling AI and the green transition in the labor market: workers’ sorting across occupations and sectors, migration and welfare_**

**(Supervisors**:Prof. Christina Gathmann**, **Dr. Joël Machado**)**

Extend a theoretical framework to model sorting of workers across occupations and sectors which can be applied to study current structural transitions, including technological changes, artificial intelligence, climate change, and green transitions.

**_3) Access to health care for vulnerable populations_**

**(Supervisor**:Dr. Valerie Moran**)**

Access to health care is a key dimension of high performing health systems. The entitlement to timely access to good quality affordable health care is enshrined in the European Pillar of Social Rights. Previous studies investigating access to health care using survey data have mainly focused on the general population. Findings show that certain population groups are at higher risk of not being able to access health care. These include women, immigrants, and people with poorer health, and lower socio-economic status. There is scope to build on previous research by undertaking in-depth analyses of access to health care for these vulnerable population groups. This research could draw on existing administrative and survey data. There is also potential to undertake primary data collection to investigate access to health care for populations who are not included in administrative or survey data. Depending on the research question(s), a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods could be adopted.

**_4) Attitudes and beliefs about redistribution, inequality and taxation (particularly inheritance taxes)_**

**(Supervisor**:Prof. Javier Olivera**)**

The research agenda is focused on the study of preferences and beliefs about economic redistribution and fairness. It will examine how these are formed and influenced by other underlying variables, as well as how they interact with perceptions of economic inequality and informational biases. Various methods can be proposed to explain the mental map that people have about redistributive policies, including online survey experiments, lab experiments, text analysis and exploitation of observational datasets. The research project may include an important component assessing the support for policies taxing inheritances and financial gifts.

**_5) Economic and social inclusion for people with disabilities_**

**(Supervisor**:Prof. Marc Suhrcke**)**

The proposed broad research agenda seeks to address a critical aspect of modern societies: ensuring that individuals with disabilities are fully integrated into economic and social frameworks. This field is highly relevant as it encompasses the evaluation of policies, practices, and initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion in both the labour market and broader social settings. Despite advancements in disability rights and accessibility, significant gaps remain in understanding how these measures translate into tangible outcomes. From assessing the impact of inclusive education and personalized assistance to scrutinizing the role of sheltered workshops and public infrastructure, research in this area helps identify barriers, best practices, and effective strategies. By analysing these dimensions from economic, social, and policy perspectives, this topic contributes to creating equitable opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities, aligning with international commitments like the UNCRPD.

**Your profile**:

- You should have (or expect to achieve) a Master degree in economics, sociology or other social or data science disciplines;
- Excellent verbal communication and academic writing skills in English;
- Enthusiasm for research and critical thinking.

**Our offer**:
For successful AFR applicants, **we offer**:

- An exciting multi-disciplinary and international research environment with ample opportunities to exchange with scholars from related disciplines at both LISER and the University of Luxembourg;
- A highly competitive remuneration for a full-time PhD position according to the Collective Labour Agreement in force and an employment contract at LISER for a period of maximum 4 consecutive ye