Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Applications are invited for the post of Postdoctoral Research Assistant in the Department of Economics.  We are looking for two highly motivated individuals to join the research project Social Mechanisms and Applications led by the Principal Investigator (PI), Professor David Levine.  The main goal of this project is to study social mechanisms and their allocations. The project has both theoretical and empirical focusses along with subject experiments. Proven research ability in economic theory or programming knowledge of Python or related languages are desirable. Moreover, data management skills and a high level of competence in econometrics and machine learning are desired. Experience in economic experiments would also be desirable. Most of all, the successful candidate will have a great enthusiasm to conduct research on this topic.  This is a project funded by the Leverhulme Trust. The successful candidate will work 1/3 time directly on the project and 2/3 of the time on individual grant related research.   The successful candidate will work closely with the PI, Professor David Levine (Economics), and the research team including Professors: Michael Mandler (Economics), Francesco Feri (Economics), Kostas Stathis (Computer Science) and Ryan McKay (Psychology). They are expected to engage as a full member of the research team contributing to the theoretical and/or empirical analysis of social norms and economic institutions, using theoretical models, simulations, and designing and coding economic experiments, analysing causal relations, assisting with the development of the project’s output, including the preparation of outputs for journal submission.   The successful candidate will possess as many as possible of the following:  PhD in relevant subject area: economics, computer science, mathematics / statistics, psychology, or related; (it is expected that the appointee will have their PhD awarded within 4 months of the start date) Training in using key software, including Python, at advanced level is a plus; Demonstrable comprehensive experience of research in heterogenous agent modelling; Designing economic experiments, setting up and coding economic experiment using major online platforms; Experience of coding complex structural estimations, simulations; Experience with constructing research funding proposals; Ability to keep accurate records, strong communication skills, experience with interacting with research users and with researchers from related disciplines, and ability to work independently under regular supervision as well as within a team setting. The post is based in Egham, Surrey, where the University is situated in a beautiful, leafy campus near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance from London. Meetings with the team will take place at Royal Holloway. It is expected that the successful candidate will work on campus and Economic experiments will be carried out in a dedicated lab of the Egham Campus. There might be the possibility to use facilities in Central London based on project requirements.  For an informal discussion about the post, please contact the project PI, Professor David Levine at david.levine@rhul.ac.uk   For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at recruitment@rhul.ac.uk  Closing Date: 23:59, Sunday 25 February 2024  Interview Date: To be Confirmed  All applications must be submitted via the Royal Holloway, University of London website.  To submit your application, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above