Research at the University of Amsterdam Faculty of Economics and Business (UvA EB) covers the broad domain of econometrics, economics, business economics and business, and is organized in two large schools: Amsterdam School of Economics (ASE) and Amsterdam Business School (ABS). The ASE and Nationale-Nederlanden have recently launched the Research Centre for Longevity Risk (RCLR).  UvA researchers at the new centre will study developments in survival rates and life expectancy, and how these developments are affected by a variety of factors. This includes the development of mathematical models to studying demographic trends and medical developments, as well as the impact of local socioeconomic conditions and the quality of our living environment.

UvA EB is looking for three talented researchers who want to further develop these areas. We seek outstanding motivated applicants with a strong interest in the centre’s research areas, which you can find here. For this vacancy we are looking for candidates who would work on one of the following three research projects mentioned there:

1. Effects of epidemics and pandemics on life expectancy
2. Reinsurance of longevity risk
3. Sustainability of state pension benefits

and expertise in such subjects will be highly appreciated. Candidates with a strong research background in Actuarial Science, Econometrics, Statistics, (Applied) mathematics or related fields are encouraged to apply. The candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team with access to state of the art research facilities.

What are you going to do

During their two-year position, postdocs will conduct research and be included in the teaching of the school’s programmes.

During their three- or four-year PhD trajectory, PhD students will follow PhD level courses, plan and conduct their PhD research and contribute to the teaching of the school’s programmes.

Starting date of the positions: as soon as possible.

What do we require

The candidate will aim to generate research that can be published in top-tier peer-reviewed journals, and will also be expected to communicate implications of the results to a broader audience of policy makers and society as a whole.

Your experience and profile:

Formal requirements:

• Applicants for postdoc positions must have, or be close to obtaining, a PhD degree in Actuarial Science, Econometrics, Statistics, (Applied) mathematics or related fields.
• Applicants for PhD positions postdocs must have, or be close to obtaining, a Masters’ degree in Actuarial Science, Econometrics, Statistics, (Applied) mathematics or related fields.

Task-related requirements:

• Excellent speaking and writing ability in English, ideally with experience in writing for a scientific audience;
• willingness and motivation to independently formulate research projects and carry them through to completion;
• statistical skills and command of standard software packages for analyzing quantitative data, and a willingness to develop these skills further;

Additional requirements:

• Strong motivation to pursue an international career as a leading scholar;
• strong commitment to methodological rigor and scientific integrity;
• energy and passion for researching solutions for modern challenges;
• intellectual curiosity, eagerness to learn, and openness to criticism.

Our compensation packages are competitive at the European level and include several secondary benefits. Favorable tax agreements may apply to non-Dutch applicants. To know more about working at the University of Amsterdam, please check this link and this link.

Fixed-term contract: 18 months.

Our offer

Our offer for PhD Positions

The employment contract will be for three or four years (depending on prior education) with an initial period of 12 or 18 months, and a possibility to extend it to a total of three or four years (depending on prior education). End-result should be a PhD thesis. An educational plan will be drafted that includes attendance of courses and (international) conferences. The teaching load comprises 20% of a candidate’s time; teaching is in English.

The gross monthly salary will range from €2,443 in the first year to €3,122 in the last year, plus an additional 16% of holiday and end-of-year payments. The Collective Labor Agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities is applicable.

Our offer for Postdoc Positions

The employment contract will be for two years with an intermediate evaluation after 12 months and a possibility to extend it for 12 or 24 months at the end of the contract (in total three or four years). The teaching load comprises 20% of a candidate’s time; teaching is in English.

The gross monthly salary will range from €3,282 in the first year to €5,230 in the last year, plus an additional 16.3% of holiday and end-of-year payments. The Collective Labor Agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities applies.

What else do we offer

• A position in which your own initiative and input is strongly valued;
• an enthusiastic and welcoming team that is open to new colleagues;
• an inspiring academic and international work environment at the center of Amsterdam.

University of Amsterdam - Economics and Business

About UvA Economics and Business

Education and research at UvA Economics and Business (EB) covers a wide range of fields that includes economics, data science, business administration, business analytics, accountancy, control, actuarial science, econometrics, finance and entrepreneurship. This is organised in 2 Schools: the Amsterdam Business School (ABS) and the Amsterdam School of Economics (ASE). Over 7,000 students are enrolled in our UvA Economics and Business programmes and around 500 employees provide education and support.

The vacancy is within the Quantitative Economics section of the ASE, which is responsible for teaching most quantitative economics related courses at the undergraduate and graduate level. The section produces internationally acclaimed research and covers three different research programs: Actuarial Science & Mathematical Finance, Econometrics, and Equilibrium, Expectations & Dynamics (CeNDEF).

• Find more information about Economics and Business on uva.nl/eb.
• Find more information about the Amsterdam School of Economics on ase.uva.nl.
• Find more information about the Quantitative Economics section here.