PhD Student in Economics @University of Iceland

The University of Iceland is inviting applications for a full-time PhD Student in Economics position based in Reykjavík, Iceland. This exciting research opportunity offers aspiring economists the chance to contribute to groundbreaking work at the intersection of labor economics and welfare economics while working alongside leading national and international researchers.

Funded through the University of Iceland Research Fund, this two-year PhD position is embedded within the Consortium on Compensating Income Variation (ConCIV), a renowned research team focused on advancing knowledge about the economic valuation of non-market outcomes and their impact on human well-being.

For candidates seeking an internationally recognized doctoral research experience, access to world-class academic supervision, and opportunities to publish in leading journals, this position represents an excellent pathway toward a successful research career.

Application Deadline

Deadline: 4 August 2026 (23:59 UTC)

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to ensure all required documents are properly prepared and uploaded.

About the University of Iceland

Founded in 1911, the University of Iceland has established itself as one of the country’s most influential academic institutions and a major contributor to Iceland’s social, economic, and scientific development.

Today, the university:

• Enrolls approximately 14,000 students
• Hosts more than 2,000 international students
• Offers nearly 400 academic programs
• Employs over 1,000 staff members
• Participates actively in international scientific collaborations
• Promotes diversity, inclusion, equality, and academic freedom

As Iceland’s largest university, it provides an international academic environment that attracts talented researchers and students from around the world.

Overview of the PhD Research Project

The successful PhD candidate will join the Consortium on Compensating Income Variation (ConCIV), a research group dedicated to understanding how non-market experiences affect individual well-being and how these effects can be translated into economic value.

The research project explores the economic value of major life events and public policy interventions, particularly focusing on:

• Education
• Retirement
• Subjective well-being
• Family welfare
• Labor market outcomes
• Public policy evaluation

Using the Compensating Income Variation (CIV) approach, the project aims to estimate the monetary value associated with educational attainment and retirement by examining their influence on the subjective well-being of individuals and their family members.

This innovative methodology provides policymakers with better tools for evaluating social programs and public investments.

Research Methodology

The PhD project will utilize longitudinal data from the Australian HILDA Survey (Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia).

The candidate will conduct advanced quantitative analyses using extensive datasets to investigate important economic questions.

The research will make use of natural experiments, including:

1. Changes in compulsory schooling laws
2. Retirement age reforms
3. Longitudinal well-being data
4. Labor market information
5. Household-level economic outcomes

These methods will help identify causal relationships and generate evidence-based conclusions regarding the value of education and retirement.

Supervision and Research Environment

The PhD student will be supervised by:

Dr. Tinna Laufey Ásgeirsdóttir, Professor of Economics at the University of Iceland.

The successful candidate will become part of a multidisciplinary research team consisting of both domestic and international experts. This collaborative environment provides opportunities for mentorship, networking, and participation in global research initiatives.

The project also benefits from the ConCIV group’s extensive international research collaborations, offering valuable exposure to leading scholars and institutions worldwide.

Main Responsibilities

The selected PhD student will be expected to undertake several important responsibilities throughout the appointment.

1. Research Participation

The candidate will actively participate in research activities alongside the principal supervisor and the broader research team.

2. Quantitative Data Analysis

Key duties include:

• Working with large-scale datasets
• Conducting advanced statistical analyses
• Interpreting empirical findings
• Contributing to research design and implementation

3. Scientific Publications

The doctoral research is expected to result in:

• Scientific journal articles
• Academic working papers
• Conference papers
• A doctoral dissertation

The dissertation will be based on at least three publishable papers intended for recognized international academic journals.

4. Knowledge Dissemination

The PhD student will also:

• Present research at academic conferences
• Participate in national and international scholarly communities
• Engage in public outreach activities
• Communicate findings to broader audiences

Benefits of the Position

Successful applicants will gain access to numerous academic and professional advantages, including:

• Full-time funded PhD employment
• Supervision from an experienced economics professor
• Participation in an internationally connected research team
• Opportunities to publish in recognized academic journals
• Conference participation and networking opportunities
• Exposure to advanced quantitative research methods
• Experience working with internationally respected datasets
• Residence in Reykjavík, Iceland
• Access to a dynamic and inclusive university environment

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the position, applicants must satisfy the following criteria.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must possess:

• A Master’s degree in Economics or a related discipline
• Degree completion before the position commencement date

Technical Requirements

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong quantitative research skills
• Experience with data analysis
• Knowledge of empirical research methodologies
• Ability to conduct independent research

Language Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Strong English language proficiency
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

Personal Competencies

Successful candidates should possess:

• Initiative
• Independence
• Organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal abilities
• Teamwork and collaboration skills

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Cover Letter

A two-page cover letter in English explaining:

• Interest in the research project
• Relevant experience
• Potential contributions to the project

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A one- to two-page CV in English including:

• Educational background
• Work experience
• Research experience
• Relevant skills
• Publications (if applicable)

3. Academic Documentation

Applicants must provide:

• Certified degree certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
• Official academic transcripts

4. Research Work

Where applicable, applicants should submit:

• Master’s thesis
• Published research articles
• Other relevant academic work

5. References

Applicants must provide:

• Information for two referees
• Contact details for each referee

Employment Conditions

Important employment conditions include:

• Full-time appointment
• Fixed-term contract of two years
• Possibility of a reduced appointment percentage upon agreement with the principal supervisor
• Appointment contingent upon admission to PhD studies at the Faculty of Economics at the University of Iceland

Applicants should note that acceptance into the PhD program is required before employment can be finalized.

Equality and Inclusion

The University of Iceland places significant emphasis on:

• Equality
• Diversity
• Inclusion
• Academic freedom
• Professionalism

Recruitment decisions take the university’s equality policy into account, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for all applicants.

Work Location

The position is based at:

University of Iceland
Reykjavík, Iceland

Working in Reykjavík offers researchers the opportunity to live in one of the world’s most innovative, safe, and environmentally conscious capital cities while participating in a vibrant international academic community.

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With a unique research focus, strong international collaborations, advanced quantitative methodologies, and the opportunity to contribute to high-impact economic research, the University of Iceland PhD Student in Economics position offers an outstanding opportunity for aspiring researchers looking to advance their academic careers on a global stage.

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