The aim of the project is to better understand the topic of social stratification (i.e. the poor, the vulnerable, the middle class, and the upper class) and its links to structural change and the Kuznets-waves hypothesis (Milanovic, 2016). The research project is guided by several (primarily empirical) aspects, such as (i) developing a multidimensional framework for the empirical identification of key social strata; (ii) providing further theoretical development on the idea of Kuznets waves and empirically testing it; and (iii) investigating the connection of structural change and social stratification via the Kuznets waves hypothesis.

The selected candidate will work with various types of data sets, including detailed distributional household survey and tax declaration data, such as EU-SILC, the Luxembourg Income Study, and the World Inequality Lab and from the newly available Statistics On-Line of the Poverty and Inequality Portal by the World Bank. Moreover, for the identification of social strata and the connection of structural change, the social stratification and the Kuznets wave hypothesis, a variety of modelling methods will be explored, e.g. machine learning algorithms, support vector machines, and VAR. For this, we seek candidates with a strong interest in one or several of the questions and (preferably) some experience in working with household survey data, and/or machine learning algorithms.

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. MILE has strong collaborations with other institutes and departments at Maastricht University and elsewhere. Next to PhD education at the Graduate School of Business and Economics (GSBE) the candidate is expected to contribute to teaching activities at the department, taking max. 20% of her/his time.

References: Milanovic, B. (2016). Global inequality: A new approach for the age of globalization. Harvard University Press.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who has proven interest, and wants to work in a research project about the empirical investigation of the so-called Kuznets-waves hypothesis, and its interplay with social stratification and structural change.

Eligible candidates must have successfully completed a – preferably 2-year (120 ECTS) – Master’s degree (MSc or MPhil) in (Quantitative) Economics, Econometrics, Computational social science or a related area (before September 2024) and have an excellent command of English.

As at School of Business and Economics, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale P according to UFO profile Promovendus, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2770,00 and €3539,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 18 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 2,5 years will follow.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'.
  The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University

Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

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The School of Business and Economics

The School of Business and Economics (SBE) is one of Maastricht University’s six faculties. Our mission is to contribute to a better world by addressing societal problems, by co-creating knowledge and developing team players and leaders for the future.

By joining SBE, you will be part of the 1% of business schools worldwide to be Triple Crown accredited (EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA). You will join an inspiring and international environment, where learning and development is priority.

Department
For more information on the department see:

MILE: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/department-macro-international-and-labour-economics-mile