Researcher in Economics

VU University of Amsterdam

Institution: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)
Department: Department of Finance, School of Business and Economics (SBE)
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Position Type: Fixed-term, 1-year postdoctoral appointment
Closing Date: March 31, 2026

Background and Scope of the Research

The Department of Finance seeks to appoint a postdoctoral researcher in empirical banking, with a focus on credit supply and bank risk. The position is funded through an internal faculty incentive grant and is offered for a fixed period of one year.

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to initiate and develop an empirical study in banking during the appointment. Depending on the project and mutual interest, short research visits to external institutions, including central banks, may be possible.

This position is intended for candidates who have recently completed, or expect to complete, their PhD and wish to further develop their research agenda during a focused one-year postdoctoral appointment.

Tasks

• Develop and carry out an empirical project in banking
• Present work in progress at internal seminars and workshops

Candidate Profile

• Completed, or close to completing, a PhD in Finance or Economics
• Strong background in empirical methods
• Clear interest in empirical banking

Offer

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research, and service for a better world.

• Salary: Minimum €3,546 and maximum €5,538 gross per month (Scale 10, UFO profile Researcher 4), depending on education and experience
• Employment: At least 0.75 FTE, for a period of 1 year
• Attractive fringe benefits:
  • 38-hour working week with 232 hours holiday leave per year (pro rata for part-time)
  • 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
  • Solid pension scheme (ABP)
  • Contribution to commuting expenses
  • Optional personalized benefits package

About Us

Department of Finance

• Research-active department within SBE, with 40+ faculty members
• Conducts research across major areas of finance and publishes in leading international journals
• Located in Amsterdam’s financial district (“Zuidas”), near financial institutions and policy organizations
• International and diverse group of researchers

School of Business and Economics (SBE)

• Focuses on real-life issues impacting society, economics, and ecology
• Promotes collaboration, transparency, social responsibility
• Employs ~600 staff, 7,250 students in Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, 1,700 executive students

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

• Values-driven education and research, open-minded experts, entrepreneurial perspective
• Emphasis on diversity, significance, humanity, and sustainable solutions
• Single campus in Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district, with 6,150 staff and 31,000 students

Diversity

• Diversity is a core value at VU Amsterdam
• VU aims to be inclusive, valuing differences in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, and worldviews
• The university seeks candidates whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following by March 31, 2026:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Recent papers
• Three letters of recommendation

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

For informal inquiries about the position, contact:
Gunseli Tumer-Alkan
Associate Professor of Finance
Department of Finance, School of Business and Economics
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Email: g.tumer-alkan@vu.nl

Apply