Post Doc Research Fellow Jobs in Behavioural Economics

Post Doc Research Fellow in Behavioural Economics

A Post Doc Research Fellow position represents a critical career stage for early-career researchers. For those specializing in Behavioural Economics, it means diving deeper into how human psychology shapes economic choices. This role builds on the foundational knowledge from a doctoral program, allowing fellows to lead projects that influence policy, business, and finance. Globally, these positions are hosted at top universities and research institutes, fostering innovations like nudge theory applications in public health campaigns.

Behavioural Economics jobs as a Post Doc Research Fellow emphasize empirical work, often involving lab experiments or field studies to test deviations from rational choice theory. Researchers might explore loss aversion in consumer spending or overconfidence in investment decisions, contributing to real-world solutions.

Defining Key Terms 📚

Post Doc Research Fellow

A Post Doc Research Fellow (postdoctoral research fellow) is a temporary academic appointment for individuals who have recently earned a PhD. The term 'post doc' is shorthand for postdoctoral, typically involving mentored research to produce publications and secure future funding. Unlike permanent faculty roles, it focuses on skill-building rather than teaching.

Behavioural Economics

Behavioural Economics is an interdisciplinary field that integrates insights from psychology into economic analysis. It examines why people make irrational decisions, such as present bias where immediate rewards are overvalued, contrasting classical economics' assumption of perfect rationality. Pioneered by scholars like Daniel Kahneman (Nobel Prize in 2002) and Richard Thaler (2017), it has grown since the 1970s, influencing governments through tools like default options in retirement savings.

Other Terms

• Prospect Theory: A model explaining how people value gains and losses differently, leading to risk-averse or risk-seeking behaviour.
• Nudge: Subtle policy interventions that guide choices without restricting options, popularized in Thaler's work.

Roles and Responsibilities 🔬

In Behavioural Economics, a Post Doc Research Fellow collaborates with principal investigators on grant-funded projects. Daily tasks include designing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to study topics like charitable giving or sustainable consumption. Fellows analyze data using econometric methods, draft manuscripts for journals like the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, and present at conferences such as the Economic Science Association meetings.

Unlike general Post Doc Research Fellow roles detailed on dedicated pages, those in Behavioural Economics often involve interdisciplinary teams with psychologists and computer scientists for agent-based modeling.

Required Qualifications and Skills 📋

To secure Post Doc Research Fellow jobs in Behavioural Economics, candidates need specific credentials and competencies.

Required Academic Qualifications

• PhD in Economics, Behavioural Science, Psychology, or a closely related field, conferred within the last 3-5 years.

Research Focus or Expertise Needed

• Experience in experimental economics, neuroeconomics, or applied behavioural interventions.
• Familiarity with topics like time inconsistency or social preferences.

Preferred Experience

• Peer-reviewed publications (at least 2-3 first-author papers).
• Grant writing or securing small research funds.
• Prior lab management or data collection in field experiments.

Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency in software like MATLAB, Python for simulations, or Qualtrics for surveys.
• Strong statistical skills, including Bayesian methods.
• Excellent communication for grant proposals and policy briefs.

Check postdoctoral success tips and academic CV guides for preparation strategies.

Career Insights and Advice 💼

Historically, postdoctoral fellowships emerged in the mid-20th century to support specialization amid expanding research complexity. In Behavioural Economics, growth accelerated post-2000s with policy adoption, like the UK's Behavioural Insights Team (2010). Fellows often transition to assistant professorships (e.g., 60% success rate per NSF data) or roles at organizations like the World Bank.

Actionable advice: Network at Behavioural Economics workshops, apply early for positions advertised on research jobs boards, and diversify skills with machine learning for big data analysis. Tailor applications to lab-specific projects, such as those on climate nudges.

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