PhD position Scholarship for Hispanic in Spatial Economics and Transport Economics

Job description

Agglomeration economies are expected to increase the benefits of investments in transport improvements. However, the effects of transport on agglomeration are difficult to ascertain. These effects may differ strongly between locations. The research will start with a literature study which will include both theoretical and empirical literature. Next, models will be built to investigate the determining factors of agglomeration benefits, including location factors. Finally, recommendations will be made about the way agglomeration benefits can be included in cost-benefit analysis.

The research will be linked to the work of the Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis (KiM), an institute within the Ministry of Infrastructure. Therefore, candidates should be at KiM in the Hague about one day per week, to disseminate research results and to participate in KiM projects.

The department is expecting to have more vacancies in the field of spatial, transport and environmental economics in the near future, so candidates with a broader interest in the field are also welcome to send their applications.

Requirements

Candidates are expected to have an excellent university MSc degree in economics or a comparable field, and to have a strong interest in analytical and numerical modeling. Students still in Master’s studies are encouraged to apply on the condition that they are graduated and able to start in 1 September 2011. Proficiency in English in speaking and writing is essential.

Conditions of employment

The salary for PhD’s is € 2.042,- gross per month during the first year and increases to € 2.612,- gross per month during the fourth year. You can find information about our excellent fringe benefits of employment at http://www.workingatvu.nl like

• Remuneration of 8,3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday allowance
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• possibilities to work part-time *1
• a minimum of 29 holidays In case of full-time employment
• possibilities to save up holidays for sabbatical leave
• Generous contribution (70%) commuting allowance based on public transport
• Discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance)
• Participation in saving scheme or life course saving scheme
• participation in Individual Choices model
• 't Olifantje provides professional childcare on the VU campus.
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge.

Contract type

Temporary

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Department

The Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (FEWEB) seeks to combine high quality education with excellent research. The Faculty offers three Dutch taught Bachelor’s programmes (Economics and Business Economics, Econometrics and Operations Research and Business Administration), one English taught Bachelor’s programme (International Business Administration), eight English taught Master’s programmes and thirteen postgraduate programmes. The faculty has several research groups with an outstanding international reputation. FEWEB accommodates approximately 5000 students and 1500 postgraduate students. Over 500 staff members are employed at the Faculty.

Department of Spatial Economics

The Department of Spatial Economics of the VU University Amsterdam is engaged in many economic problems in which space, transport and environment play prominent roles. The 60 staff members are involved in both fundamental research as well as in national and international commissioned research. The aim of its research programme is to analyse the contribution of the various forces to spatial dynamics and network development from a microeconomic perspective, where also inspiration is sought from neighbouring disciplines such as traffic engineering, geography and psychology. With this research, the department has gained national and international recognition. With staff members from about 15 countries, the group has a strong international orientation.

Additional information

For further information about the positions, contact Prof. Dr. Carl Koopmans, e-mail: ckoopmans@feweb.vu.nl.

Candidates should e-mail their CV, transcripts, MSc thesis or other research papers (if available), GRE test results (if available), and a letter in which they explain their interest via e-mail: ckoopmans@feweb.vu.nl. Deadline for application is May 31, 2011.

More information about employer VU University Amsterdam (VU) on AcademicTransfer. Direct link to this job opening: www.academictransfer.com/8954