Discover tenure-track jobs in behavioural economics, including definitions, roles, qualifications, and career advice for aspiring academics.
Tenure-track jobs in behavioural economics offer a pathway to academic permanence for scholars passionate about human decision-making. A tenure-track position, meaning a probationary faculty role leading to tenure—a form of job security granted after rigorous evaluation—combines research, teaching, and service. In behavioural economics, professionals explore why people deviate from rational choices, blending insights from psychology and economics. This field has grown rapidly since the 1970s, influencing policy through concepts like nudges.
For detailed insights on general tenure-track positions, including their structure across disciplines, visit the dedicated page. Here, we focus on how behavioural economics shapes these careers, with opportunities at top universities worldwide.
Behavioural economics is defined as the subfield of economics that incorporates psychological research to understand economic decisions. Unlike traditional economics, which assumes rational actors, it accounts for cognitive biases, heuristics, and emotions. Key examples include loss aversion—where losses loom larger than gains—and the endowment effect, where ownership increases perceived value.
Pioneered by scholars like Daniel Kahneman (Nobel Prize 2002) and Richard Thaler (Nobel 2017), the field applies lab experiments, field studies, and big data to real-world issues like retirement savings or public health campaigns. In a tenure-track role, academics contribute original research, often securing grants from bodies like the National Science Foundation (NSF).
In tenure-track behavioural economics jobs, assistant professors typically teach undergraduate and graduate courses on topics like experimental economics or judgment and decision-making. Research output is paramount: expect to publish 4-6 papers in top journals during the probationary period. Service includes committee work and mentoring students.
Success stories abound, such as Thaler's work at the University of Chicago, where behavioural insights shaped pension policies. Globally, institutions like University College London (UCL) and the University of Warwick lead in hiring for these roles.
To land tenure-track jobs in behavioural economics, candidates need a PhD in economics, psychology, or an interdisciplinary program. Research focus should centre on areas like prospect theory, social preferences, or neuroeconomics, demonstrated through a dissertation and post-PhD publications.
Prepare by reviewing how to write a winning academic CV and exploring postdoctoral success strategies.
The tenure-track model originated in the US in the early 20th century at institutions like Harvard, providing stability for research. Behavioural economics emerged in the 1980s via Kahneman and Tversky's prospect theory, gaining traction post-2000s with policy applications. Today, demand for tenure-track faculty surges amid applications in fintech, climate policy, and AI ethics.
Aspire to tenure-track behavioural economics jobs by networking at conferences like the Economic Science Association meetings. Build a portfolio with pre-registrations on OSF for transparency. Tailor job market papers to departmental strengths—e.g., Chicago emphasizes field experiments.
Check employer branding secrets to understand hiring trends. Salaries start at $130,000 USD for assistant professors, rising to $200,000+ post-tenure.
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