University of Copenhagen (UCPH) – PhD scholarship(s) in Economics

Published by Bojana

Deadline: 1 November 2018
Open to: candidates who have obtained a PhD in economics or a related field, demonstrating interest and ability in micro-economics, micro-econometrics, computer programming, and/or mathematics.
Venue: University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Description

PhD scholarship(s) in Economics with specialization in discrete choice demand models based on entropy at the Department of Economics, University of Copenhagen (UCPH) is part of a project funded by an Advanced Grant from the European Research Council, focussing on the development of a new generation of discrete choice models – so called generalized entropy models – that can be used to predict consumer demand in complex settings. The scholarship is offered from 1 February 2019 or earlier.

The PhD programme provides PhD students with strong research training, preparing for a variety of careers within the private and public sectors. The programme includes the writing of a PhD thesis, active participation in research networks, PhD courses, and knowledge dissemination. The PhD programme must be undertaken as a four-year full-time study within the framework of the 4+4 study programme of the Faculty of Social Sciences or as a three-year full-time study within the 5+3 study programme.
The PhD project must fit into the agenda of developing generalized entropy models. This is a new kind of micro-econometric model that is relevant for modelling consumer demand in the form of discrete choices or market shares. Initial papers on generalized entropy are
  • Fosgerau, de Palma, Monardo (2018) Demand Models for Differentiated Products with Complementarity and Substitutability
  • Fosgerau, Melo, de Palma, Shum (2018) Discrete Choice and Rational Inattention: A General Equivalence Result
The PhD project should extend this line of research, focusing on the development and structural estimation of discrete choice demand models based on generalized entropy as well as their empirical application. The concept of generalized entropy is new; hence the project will be path-breaking in this respect.
The PhD student will join a growing team that currently consists of Mogens Fosgerau, Jesper Riis-Vestergaard Sørensen, Nikolaj Nielsen and Dennis Kristensen.

Eligibility

The ideal candidate has obtained a PhD in economics or a related field, demonstrating interest and ability in micro-economics, micro-econometrics, computer programming, and/or mathematics. The candidate must be motivated and able to engage in theoretical and empirical work, and have good oral and written communication skills.

In order to be eligible for a scholarship in the 5+3 PhD study programme in Economics the applicant must have completed a two-year MSc degree programme in Economics, or have earned 120 ECTS credits at an equivalent academic level before starting his or her employment. Applicants should check the study programmes for more detailed descriptions of the entry requirements. In particular, applicants must have completed relevant advanced courses within the core disciplines of macroeconomics, microeconomics and econometrics. PhD students are paid a salary in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). The PhD student has a work obligation of up to 840 hours over the 3-year period of time without additional pay.

Benefits

Students who have completed a BSc plus 60 ECTS of an MSc degree programme would enrol as PhD students simultaneously with their enrolment in the MSc degree programme (4+4 PhD study programme). Applicants should check the study programmes for more detailed descriptions of the entry requirements. Until an MSc degree is obtained, the grant is paid partly in the form of up to 48 state education grant portions (in Danish: SU-klip). More specifically the PhD student will be paid two grant portions per month plus salary for work (teaching, presentations etc.) which totals a workload of at least 280 hours. Payment and conditions of employment are determined in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). Upon completion of the MSc degree the student is transferred to the salary-earning part of the PhD studies.

How to apply?

The application can be in either Danish or English and should include a short motivation letter (maximum 1 page), a research project proposal, a study plan, a CV (including the applicant’s address and e-mail address), a list of publications (if any), a copy of the applicant’s Master thesis and a copy of the Master certificate.

In order to apply, please fill the application.

For more information please visit the official website.