Post-doc in Environmental Economics

The Department of Spatial Economics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam invites applications for a Horizon Europe-funded postdoc position in the field of water resources economics.

With 20 partner institutions, this project focuses on using nature-based solutions (NBS) to enhance climate resilience in water management, particularly in addressing droughts. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the economic aspects of NBS implementation, with the primary focus on the design of contractual mechanisms to incentivize the adoption of NBS by landowners. Contract design is based on the combined use of theoretical micro-economic models, simulations, and economic (lab/field) experiments. The research will integrate insights from economic theory, institutional arrangements, and empirical data from demonstration sites across Europe to develop tailored economic models for water resource management.

The postdoc will work closely with Dr. Erik Ansink at VU and with partner institutions to bridge economic analysis with governance and policy aspects of water management. The role includes engagement with stakeholders to co-design effective contracts in order to ensure their applicability in each project demonstration site.

Requirements:

The potential candidate should have:

• Ph.D. in economics, environmental economics, or a related field (or due to complete in 2025);
• Strong background in micro-economic theory;
• Experience with experimental methods (lab or field experiments) is a plus;
• Familiarity with water governance is a plus;
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment;
• Strong communicate skills.

Salary Benefits:

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.378,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.331,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for at least 0.8-0.9 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. After a positive evaluation, we will extend your contract with 2-2,5 years.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• the possibility to work partly from home
• solid pension scheme (ABP)

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