University of Iceland Opens Applications for Fully Funded PhD Position in Economics – Apply By 4 August 2026 ·Unknown

The University of Iceland is inviting applications for a full-time PhD Student in Economics position, offering an exciting opportunity for aspiring researchers to contribute to internationally collaborative research on labor economics, welfare economics, and subjective well-being.

The two-year doctoral position is funded by the University of Iceland Research Fund and forms part of the Consortium on Compensating Income Variation (ConCIV) research team. Applications are open until 4 August 2026 (23:59 UTC).

PhD Opportunity Focuses on Economics and Well-Being Research

The successful candidate will join the Department of Economics at the University of Iceland, where they will conduct research examining the economic value of education and retirement through the Compensating Income Variation (CIV) approach.

The project combines labor economics and welfare economics to estimate how education and retirement influence the subjective well-being of individuals and their family members.

Researchers will analyze longitudinal data from the Australian Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, using natural experiments such as changes in compulsory schooling laws and retirement age to identify causal effects.

The project builds on previous work undertaken by the ConCIV research group and contributes to ongoing international collaborations in economic research.

Research Supervision and Academic Environment

The doctoral research will be supervised by Professor Tinna Laufey Ásgeirsdóttir, a leading economist at the University of Iceland.

The selected PhD student will become part of a multidisciplinary research team comprising both domestic and international experts, providing opportunities for collaboration, academic networking, and professional development throughout the fellowship.

Key Responsibilities

The successful applicant will be expected to:

• Participate in collaborative research activities with the principal supervisor and research team.
• Analyze quantitative data from the Australian HILDA dataset.
• Conduct independent academic research in labor and welfare economics.
• Publish findings in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals.
• Prepare a doctoral dissertation consisting of at least three publishable research papers.
• Present research at national and international conferences.
• Engage in science communication and public outreach activities.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should meet the following qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Economics or a closely related discipline.
• Completion of the Master’s degree before the position begins.
• Strong knowledge of quantitative research methods and statistical data analysis.
• Excellent English language proficiency.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following materials:

• A cover letter (approximately two pages) explaining their interest in the project and potential contributions.
• A curriculum vitae (one to two pages) detailing education, work experience, research skills, and publications, where applicable.
• Certified copies of bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates and academic transcripts.
• A copy of the Master’s thesis or relevant research publications, if available.
• Contact details for two academic or professional referees.

Applicants should note that employment is conditional upon formal admission into the PhD program within the Faculty of Economics at the University of Iceland.

Flexible Employment Conditions

The position is offered as a full-time, temporary appointment lasting two years, although a reduced employment percentage may be considered following agreement with the principal supervisor.

The University of Iceland also emphasizes equal opportunity in recruitment and applies its equality and language policies throughout the hiring process.

About the University of Iceland

Founded in 1911, the University of Iceland is the country’s largest higher education institution and a leading center for research and innovation.

The university offers nearly 400 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs and serves approximately 14,000 students, including more than 2,000 international students.

With a workforce of over 1,000 staff members, the institution actively promotes academic excellence, international collaboration, diversity, inclusion, and academic freedom within a globally connected research environment.

Application Deadline

Interested candidates must submit their applications by:

• Application Deadline: 4 August 2026 (23:59 UTC)
• Position: PhD Student in Economics
• Institution: University of Iceland
• Location: Reykjavík, Iceland
• Employment Type: Full-time, Temporary (Two Years)

The PhD position offers an outstanding opportunity for emerging economists seeking advanced research training while contributing to internationally significant studies exploring education, retirement, and well-being through innovative economic methodologies.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.