A fully funded (Stipend of €18,500 and EU fees) four year PhD position is available in the Department of Economics, University College Cork. The position is part of a wider project, ‘External Shocks and Fiscal Sustainability’ (ESFS), funded by an SFI-IRC pathway programme grant. The project is based in the Department of Economics, Cork University Business School, University College Cork and is led by Dr Seán Kenny and Dr Eoin McLaughlin.
We are looking for a junior researcher with a background in economics (empirical economics, economic history, macroeconomics or econometrics). We expect:
- previous courses/experience in macroeconomics, economic history and finance
- quantitative skills (econometrics/statistics/modelling)
- experience of writing academic texts (an exceptional master thesis or similar)
- strong undergraduate and post graduate degrees (preferably economics or economic history)
- ability to work independently and take own initiative
- communicative skills
- proven interest in conducting independent research (previous work)
The focus of the PhD position is on research, though additional pedagogical tasks will be requested on occasion (tutorials, teaching, and seminars). The successful applicant’s research topic will fall under the theme of the project and may include subjects ranging from measuring economic shocks, the design of, macroeconomic effects of and operation of fiscal policy, political economy, macroeconomic uncertainty, financial market volatility and its effect upon the economy and/or vice versa. Episodes from economic history are especially relevant for the ESFS project.
The successful candidate will join a motivated team in an expanding research topic at a time when understanding the joint effects of Brexit and Covid-19 on the operation of fiscal policy in an uncertain environment, is of paramount importance. As part of ESFS, the PhD student will have the opportunity collaborate and co-author with a team that has a demonstrated track record of international publications on the relevant subject matter.
The PhD student will have access to earmarked funds for travelling to international conferences to present their research to foreign academic audiences. The opportunity to co-write a future research grant application will be afforded the candidate, should they demonstrate sufficient quality and commitment throughout the course of their contract.
For informal inquiries contact, Dr. Eoin McLaughlin
The Application Process
Applications should be sent to [email protected] by February 15th, 2022. Interviews will be scheduled for March and the period of employment will commence in April 2022.
Please forward a cover letter (1 page), CV (2 pages), as well as copies of degrees from high school and university. You will also provide a research motivation letter (3 pages max) which will offer a brief summary of your previous research, motivating your transition and integration into the ESFS project e.g. what skillset, interests, ideas, perspectives or competences your previous experience and current status will contribute to ESFS.
Minimum requirement:
Relevant primary degree
Postgraduate degree in relevant subject area
Please indicate in your letter whether:
A. You have previously performed regression analysis (list the software, if yes)?
B. You have taken courses relevant to the project topic?
C. You have taken courses in economic history or would you be interested in pursuing this?
D. You able to work independently, taking your own initiative, in addition to receiving the relevant supervision?
E. You have specialised expertise in any quantitative area relevant to the project (time series, panel regressions, event analysis etc)