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University: Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Location: Trondheim, Norway
Department: Department of Economics
Project: EduGAP (Norwegian Research Council funded)
Application Deadline: April 8, 2026
Fully Funded PhD in Applied Microeconometrics and Education Economics
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is offering a three-year fully funded PhD position in Economics as part of the EduGAP research project. The project aims to provide causal evidence on how assessment forms influence student decisions and outcomes across schooling, higher education, and the life course.
This doctoral position is ideal for candidates interested in applied microeconometrics, education economics, and labour economics, with a strong focus on empirical and policy-relevant research.
Research Focus: Assessment, Education, and Labour Market Outcomes
The EduGAP project investigates how different forms of educational assessment shape:
- Student course and subject choices
- Academic performance and progression
- Higher education access and completion
- Long-term labour market outcomes
The PhD candidate will conduct high-quality empirical research using advanced econometric methods to generate causal insights that inform education policy and institutional design.
The project is supervised by Professor Colin Green and Dr. Jon Marius Vaag Iversen and involves collaboration with international partner institutions, including:
- University College London
- University of Texas at Austin
These partnerships provide opportunities for international research stays and collaboration with leading scholars in applied economics.
Doctoral Training and Responsibilities
As a PhD candidate at NTNU, you will:
- Be admitted to the PhD Programme at the Faculty of Economics and Management
- Conduct independent, high-quality research
- Participate in structured doctoral coursework and advanced econometrics training
- Present research at national and international conferences
- Engage in academic seminars and departmental research activities
The Department of Economics hosts approximately 700 students and maintains an active and collaborative PhD community.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must have:
- A completed (or near-completed) Master’s degree in Economics or a closely related field (120 ECTS equivalent)
- A strong academic record equivalent to grade B or better on the NTNU grading scale
- Solid methodological and econometric skills
- Proficiency in English
- Eligibility for admission to the PhD Programme in Economics and Management
Candidates completing their Master’s degree before the start date are encouraged to apply.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- Strong interest in applied microeconomics and causal inference
- Advanced quantitative and statistical skills
- Ability to work independently and manage long-term research projects
- Motivation to contribute to an active academic environment
- Engagement in seminars, research discussions, and collaborative activities
Salary and Employment Conditions
- Three-year full-time PhD appointment
- Annual gross salary: NOK 550,800
- Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- Access to structured doctoral training and career development
- Support for conference participation and international mobility
Admission to the PhD Programme must be secured within three months of employment. The position is conditional on external funding and follows Norwegian state employment regulations.
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted electronically before the deadline and include:
- Short motivation letter (maximum 400 words)
- CV
- Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts and diplomas
- Example of written work (e.g., Master’s thesis or research paper)
- Short research plan outlining research questions, literature, and methodology (1–2 pages)
- Academic works for assessment (published or unpublished, if applicable)
- Contact details for three referees
All documents must be submitted in English or a Scandinavian language.
Why Pursue a PhD at NTNU?
Norwegian University of Science and Technology is a leading technical-scientific university with a strong international research profile. Trondheim offers high quality of life, excellent public services, and a vibrant academic and cultural environment.
The EduGAP PhD provides an outstanding opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in education policy, labour economics, and applied econometrics, while developing a strong international research network.
If you are ready to advance your academic career in empirical economics and education research, this doctoral position offers a rigorous and rewarding pathway.
Apply now at: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/296757/phd-in-economics-edugap-project
