Are you an aspiring economist looking for a fully funded doctoral opportunity focused on labor economics, welfare economics, and subjective well-being? The University of Iceland is inviting applications for a fully funded full-time PhD Student in Economics position within an internationally collaborative research team.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the coverage, eligibility criteria, research focus, and step-by-step application process you need to prepare a strong application.
Fast Facts & Quick Verification Tracker
- Target Audience: Graduates with a Master’s degree in Economics or a closely related discipline
- Position: Full-time PhD Student in Economics
- Host Institution: University of Iceland, Department of Economics (Reykjavík, Iceland)
- Funding: Funded by the University of Iceland Research Fund
- Duration: Two years (full-time, temporary appointment)
- Research Focus: Compensating Income Variation (CIV) – economic value of education and retirement
- Application Deadline: 4 August 2026 (23:59 UTC)
- Information Verified On: August 2026
- Status: 🟢 OPEN before August 4, CLOSED after August 4th.
Coverage & Requirements Matrix
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding | Fully funded through the University of Iceland Research Fund |
| Duration | 2 years (full-time; reduced percentage possible by agreement) |
| Academic Requirement | Master’s degree in Economics or closely related field (must be completed before start) |
| Key Skills | Strong quantitative methods, statistical data analysis, excellent English |
| Core Research Approach | Compensating Income Variation (CIV) using HILDA Survey data |
| Output Expectation | Doctoral dissertation of at least three publishable research papers |
Official Source & Portal Verification
Always apply through the official University of Iceland channels to ensure your application is properly received.
Caption: Confirm you are on the official University of Iceland recruitment portal and carefully follow the listed document requirements before submitting.
Offer Description
The Department of Economics at the University of Iceland is inviting applications for a full-time PhD position offered on a fixed-term basis for two years. The position is funded by the University of Iceland Research Fund and will be undertaken as part of the ConCIV – Consortium on Compensating Income Variation, an international research team working at the intersection of labour economics and welfare economics.
The research project applies the Compensating Income Variation (CIV) approach to estimate the economic value of education and retirement by examining their effects on the subjective well-being of individuals and their family members. The PhD researcher will work with longitudinal data from the Australian HILDA (Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia) Survey and use natural experiments, including changes in compulsory schooling laws and retirement ages, to identify causal effects.
The project builds on previous research conducted by the ConCIV group on the monetary valuation of non-market goods and forms part of the group’s broader international research collaborations.
The successful PhD candidate will be supervised by Dr. Tinna Laufey Ásgeirsdóttir, Professor of Economics, and will work as part of a wider research team comprising both domestic and international experts.
Main Responsibilities
The PhD researcher will be expected to participate actively in the research activities of the project in collaboration with the principal supervisor and other members of the research team.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Conducting quantitative data analysis using the Australian HILDA longitudinal dataset.
- Applying appropriate economic and statistical methods to investigate the effects of education and retirement on individual and family well-being.
- Contributing to the research activities of the ConCIV research team.
- Disseminating research findings primarily through scientific publications and a doctoral dissertation.
- Developing a doctoral dissertation based on at least three research papers prepared for publication in recognized international academic journals.
- Presenting research findings at national and international academic conferences.
- Participating in academic networks and broader scholarly activities in the field.
- Communicating relevant research findings to the general public through appropriate outreach activities.
The position provides an opportunity for the successful candidate to contribute to an international research programme while developing advanced expertise in labour economics, welfare economics, quantitative research, causal inference, and the economic valuation of non-market outcomes.
The Step-by-Step Roadmap (Proof of Process)
Step 1: Confirm Academic Eligibility
You must hold (or complete before the position begins) a Master’s degree in Economics or a closely related discipline. Strong knowledge of quantitative research methods and statistical data analysis is essential.
Step 2: Understand the Research Focus
The project examines the economic value of education and retirement using the Compensating Income Variation (CIV) approach. It combines labor and welfare economics to estimate effects on subjective well-being of individuals and family members, drawing on longitudinal data from the Australian HILDA Survey and natural experiments (e.g., changes in compulsory schooling laws and retirement age).
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Submit the following:
- Cover letter (approximately two pages) explaining your interest in the project and potential contributions
- Curriculum Vitae (1–2 pages) detailing education, experience, research skills, and publications (if any)
- Certified copies of bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates and academic transcripts
- Copy of your Master’s thesis or relevant research publications (if available)
- Contact details for two academic or professional referees
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 4 August 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Employment is conditional upon formal admission into the PhD programme within the Faculty of Economics.
Step 5: Note Supervision and Team Environment
The research will be supervised by Professor Tinna Laufey Ásgeirsdóttir. The successful candidate will join the Consortium on Compensating Income Variation (ConCIV) research team and collaborate with domestic and international experts.
What This Position Offers (The Advantage)
- On Research Impact: The project builds on previous work by the ConCIV research group and contributes to international collaborations examining how education and retirement affect well-being through rigorous causal methods.
- On Professional Development: The PhD student will participate in collaborative research, analyse quantitative data, publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and engage in science communication and public outreach.
- On Academic Environment: The University of Iceland, founded in 1911, is the country’s largest higher education institution. It offers nearly 400 programmes and serves approximately 14,000 students (including more than 2,000 international students) in a research-oriented, internationally connected environment that values academic freedom, diversity, and inclusion.
- On Flexibility: While the position is full-time for two years, a reduced employment percentage may be considered by agreement with the principal supervisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Is this position fully funded?
A: Yes. It is funded by the University of Iceland Research Fund. - Q: What is the exact application deadline?
A: 4 August 2026 at 23:59 UTC. - Q: Can I apply if I have not yet completed my Master’s degree?
A: You must complete the Master’s degree before the position begins. - Q: What will the doctoral dissertation consist of?
A: At least three publishable research papers. - Q: Who will supervise the research?
A: Professor Tinna Laufey Ásgeirsdóttir, a leading economist at the University of Iceland. - Q: Does the University promote equal opportunity?
A: Yes. The University of Iceland emphasises equal opportunity in recruitment and applies its equality and language policies throughout the hiring process.
Here is a polished version that keeps all the information while improving the flow and professionalism:
About the University of Iceland
Founded in 1911, the University of Iceland is the country’s largest higher education institution and a leading centre for research, innovation, and academic excellence.
The university offers nearly 400 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programmes and serves approximately 14,000 students, including more than 2,000 international students from around the world.
With a workforce of more than 1,000 staff members, the University of Iceland is committed to promoting academic excellence, international collaboration, diversity, inclusion, and academic freedom. Its globally connected research environment provides students and researchers with opportunities to engage in innovative work and collaborate with academic communities in Iceland and internationally.
Why Apply?
This fully funded PhD position offers emerging economists the chance to conduct high-quality, internationally collaborative research on important questions linking education, retirement, and subjective well-being. With strong supervision, access to rich longitudinal data, and a supportive research environment in Reykjavík, it provides an excellent platform for academic and professional development.
Interested candidates should prepare their documents carefully and submit their applications before the 4 August 2026 (23:59 UTC) deadline. Visit the EURA XESS EUROPA Official Website TO APPLY NOW.