PhD Position: Learning Behavior and Economic Choice
AdminApplication Deadline: Rolling (review starts December 1, 2025)
Start Date: By August 2026 (flexible)
Position Overview
PhD position (80%) researching learning behavior and choice with costly information acquisition.
Institution: University of St. Gallen, Switzerland Department: Economics Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Michèle Müller-Itten Duration: Limited contract by January 1, 2026 or mutual agreement Location: St. Gallen, Switzerland
Research Project
"Ignorance equivalent" approach to model learning ability and interplay between preference traits and learning behavior.
Key Objectives:
- Develop algorithms for optimal rational inattentive choice
- Simulate behavioral impacts of different cost functions
- Design experimental protocol to measure perceived learning costs
- Deploy experiments (online and lab) to identify cost drivers
- Compare perceived vs. experienced learning costs
- Examine how risk attitudes shape learning incentives
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct high-quality innovative research on costly learning
- Develop theory, run experiments, evaluate data
- Draft and publish academic papers
- Support teaching activities
- Organize workshops
- Attend seminars and provide feedback
- Contribute to grant proposals
Required Profile
- Master's degree (completed or near completion) in Economics or Mathematics
- Strong background in experimental economics, numerical methods, economic theory
- Hands-on experience designing/running experiments (highly desirable)
- Independent thinking and collaborative skills
- Excellent English written and verbal communication
- Strong time management
How to Apply
Send to: Prof. Dr. Michèle Müller-Itten (michele.mueller-itten@unisg.ch)
Required Documents:
- Cover letter (research interests, motivation, fit for position)
- CV
- Grade transcripts and certificates
- Two letters of recommendation (sent directly by referees)
- Academic publications/working papers (if available)
Application Timeline:
- Review starts: December 1, 2025
- Continues until filled
- No hard deadline
For more information
Contact: Prof. Dr. Michèle Müller-Itten michele.mueller-itten@unisg.ch or Visit: https://jobs.unisg.ch/offene-stellen/phd-position-m-w-d/62b73045-75a1-4f8e-b4a4-586bbbf43eff
Start Date: By August 2026 (flexible)
