Fully Funded PhD Positions in Economics, University of Lugano, Switzerland

Doctoral School in Economics at the University of Lugano

In advancing to the PhD degree, students pass through two major stages, (i) course work and (ii) the completion of a dissertation.

Year 1 is devoted to developing a strong foundation in the basic tools of economics, including full-year courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics (core courses). Successful candidates will be required to apply by April 15 to the Swiss Program for Beginning Doctoral Students in Economics at the Study Center Gerzensee of the Swiss National Bank (SNB). Candidates must submit their GRE test scores during the web-based online application process for this program. In year 1, successful candidates will devote most of their work time to this program.

Year 2 is devoted to deepening courses to bring successful candidates to the research frontier of their field(s) of interest and to developing the dissertation topic. Starting from year 2, in addition to doctoral work, successful candidates will provide part-time assistance in the institute’s research projects and/or teaching activities. At the end of year 2, students present a proposal of their dissertation project in an oral exam.

Years 3 to 5 are devoted to completing the dissertation, which consists of at least three original research papers. Successful candidates will present their research progresses regularly to their supervisor(s) and in informal seminars to the rest of the faculty and their graduate student peers, who will provide constructive feedback that will improve the research.

Application

Applicants must complete the online application form and email all application files as one compressed zip folder to idep@usi.ch. Please name the zip folder LastName_FirstName (Example: Doe_Jane.zip). Specifically, candidates should include the following information:

1. A complete CV, including your email address, date of birth, two academic references (see point 3), any programing skills and other relevant information that might be important for us.

2. A transcript of your university education (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees or equivalent), including the grade point average (GPA).

3. The names and email addresses of two academic references that could be contacted for more information.

4. A tentative research proposal (max. 4 pages long) on a topic you would be interested in working on.

5. Your GRE certificate with the test score (if available).

6. Your Master’s thesis (if available).

We especially welcome applications of women and minority students. Ideal candidates have, or are upon completion of, a Master’s degree in Economics, Econometrics or a related field such as Computer Science or Mathematics. Candidates with a general interest in quantitative empirical research will be given a strong preference.

Owing to the large number of applications received, only those applicants whose profiles are likely to fit the positions will be notified for further details and eventual interviews. Qualified applicants will be interviewed in January and February.