Research project: The Economics and Politics of Migration
Migration is a hot topic. We offer the perfect opportunity to do research into this important topic! Migration is a defining feature of the modern world. Millions of people move across borders every year in search of better economic opportunities and/or political freedom. In Europe in particular, the integration process has led to significant migration flows. These flows have resulted in demographic and social transformations that have reshaped the continent's political and economic landscape. This has often led to positive outcomes like labour market integration and increased prosperity. However, very often we also see cases of segregation and low social mobility among migrants resulting in increased inequality in host societies.

The PhD candidate will conduct highly innovative empirical research on the interrelationship between migration and economic outcomes (such as labour market integration, inequality, and social mobility). In addition, the research will be framed in the context of EU governance and decision-making on migration policy.

To conduct the research, the PhD candidate will have access to EU-wide micro datasets such as the European Social Survey (ESS), the EU Labour Force Survey (EU-LFS), and the EU Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC). Furthermore, the PhD candidate will have access to Dutch administrative data provided by Statistics Netherlands (CBS).

The position comprises the following tasks:

• Conduct innovative research on the Economics and Politics of Migration in the EU;
• Write a PhD Thesis;
• Submit research results for publication in academic journals;
• Present papers at international conferences;
• Participate in seminars, workshops and conferences;
• Actively disseminate research findings to both academic and non-academic audiences;
• Teach in the programmes of the Department of Economics;
• Follow PhD courses based on an individual training plan.

Selection Criteria

• A Master's degree in economics, public administration, political science;
• Excellent skills in quantitative research methods and writing, demonstrated by a bachelor or master thesis, single-authored course paper and/or publications;
• Experience in using statistical software (e.g. Stata, R);
• An excellent command of the English language, knowledge of the Dutch language is considered an advantage;
• Ability to work well in teams.

Terms & Conditions
We offer a stimulating and intellectually challenging work environment that fosters personal development and is determined to make a difference when it comes to key societal challenges.

• The PhD position is for 0.8-1.0 fte.
• The appointment as a PhD student will be for a period of four to five years (initially for a period of one year with an extension of three to four years after positive evaluation of progress and skills development) leading to the successful completion of a PhD thesis. The appointment will be under the terms of the cao (Collective Labour Agreement) of Dutch Universities.
• Starting date: 1st of September 2023 (some flexibility is possible).
• The (fulltime) gross yearly salary is set on €35.462 in the first year, increasing to €45.315 in the final year. This includes holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%).
• Leiden University offers excellent secondary employment conditions, including an attractive benefits package with training and career development (including, for example, language courses, teaching courses and project management courses), support from the PhD dean, and we facilitate a good work-life balance via flexible working hours and various leave arrangements. Our individual choices model also gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
• For more information on the terms and conditions of employment, click here.

Diversity
Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive. We therefore especially welcome applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Universiteit Leiden

Our Department
The Department of Economics is a young, vibrant research community, with offices in Leiden and The Hague. The department has been growing steadily and will continue to grow with the new bachelor and master programmes in The Hague. The department has a reputation of working together in teams on joint research projects, while at the same time giving individual researchers the autonomy and flexibility to pursue other research interests as well. In the broad field of economics, the activities of the department are concentrated on socio-economic policy, law and economics, the functioning of the labour market and social security. The department provides courses for a number of study programmes, such as political science, public administration, liberal arts, and law. Moreover, the department co-organizes the bachelor programme 'Economics, Governance and Management' and the master programme 'Economics and Governance' with the Institute of Public Administration. In addition, we are developing new bachelor and master programmes in the Hague that are planned to start in the Fall of 2025.

Team
You will work in a team with other junior and senior researchers who are working on closely related projects. For example, the department is coordinating a large European research program (TransEuroWorkS) on labour market transformations, there is a research project on the flexibilization of the labour market, and a large multidisciplinary project on Social Citizenship and Migration. We work together to make a difference, celebrate our bigger and smaller successes and look out for each other. Moreover, a good work-life balance is important to us, and we offer the flexibility to combine work with other responsibilities. You will start in a cohort with three other PhD Candidates. We also have vacancies for three other PhD positions: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/law/institute-for-tax-law-and-economics/economics/vacancies.

Our Faculty
The Department of Economics is part of the Leiden Law School (ranked #1 in the Netherlands for the subject of law and #21 in the 2022 QS World University Rankings by Subject). Leiden Law School is located in Leiden and The Hague. With more than 6500 students and around 1000 staff, it is one of the largest university faculties in the Netherlands. The faculty focuses on innovative multidisciplinary research and educational programmes that are constantly renewed in response to issues in society. Our faculty is large enough to make a difference nationally and internationally, yet small enough to offer personalised education. This is how we contribute to a safe and sustainable world, each and every day. The Faculty is housed in the beautifully restored Kamerlingh Onnes Building on the Steenschuur in Leiden. The Department of Economics also has offices in The Hague. Working for the Leiden Law School means working in a welcoming and inspiring scientific environment.