PhD in Environmental Economics

How effective is climate policy? Join Utrecht University School of Economics for a PhD position to quantify the impacts of climate policy packages.

Your job

To encourage the transition to a net zero economy, many governments have introduced policies to encourage household and firm decarbonisation. These include higher taxes on energy and fuel, but also subsidies for innovation, home insulation, heat pumps, electric cars, green technology etc. Not all households or firms equally respond to and benefit from such policies, there may exist rebound effects, and the ordering of policies may impact policy effectiveness. During this PhD, you will use Dutch registry data and quantitative methods (such as micro-econometric methods for causal inference or structural modelling) to evaluate the effects of climate policy packages on households and/or firms.

The focus of your research will be on quantifying the impact of climate policy (packages). The goal is to derive policy-relevant insights that contribute not only to a better understanding of climate policy making, but also contribute to the design of future policy packages. For this purpose, you will use detailed Dutch registry data. The precise policies to be analyzed will be jointly determined based on research interest, policy relevance and data availability. This position is part of a collaboration between Utrecht University School of Economics and the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL).

Your tasks will include:

• using Dutch registry data and quantitative methods (such as micro-econometric methods for causal inference or structural modelling) to assess the impact of climate policy;
• presenting results at seminars (internally and externally), workshops and conferences;
• conducting policy-relevant scientific research and thereby communicating your findings to academics and policy makers;
• interacting with policy-focused research institutes, such as the PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency;
• engaging as an active member of the research team and department;
• teaching (10% of your appointment).

Your qualities

You are a talented researcher, who meets the following requirements:

• You recently completed a Research Master’s degree in economics, with extensive training in relevant econometric methods (such as microeconometric methods for causal inference or structural modelling). An academic Master’s degree may also suffice, provided that you can demonstrate affinity and skills with doing research (evidenced by method courses, elective courses, excellent grades, and an outstanding Master's thesis).
• You have a keen interest in climate policy research and desire to develop quantitative skills, engage with policy makers, and interact with applied researchers from other disciplines.
• You have experience with quantitative data analysis in R, Stata, or Python (e.g., in your Master's thesis or student assistant job).
• You are a proactive team player with strong communication skills.
• You are fluent in English (spoken and written). Proficiency in Dutch is an advantage.

Our offer

• A position for four years, starting before 1 November 2025;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,901 and €3,707 (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)); 
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus; 
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU. 

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

The Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance is a faculty at the heart of society, with a strong focus on social issues. Our subjects of Law, Economics and Governance give us a strong mix of academic disciplines that complement and enhance each other. This is a unique combination and a mark of our faculty's strength.

The Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) is part of the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance. U.S.E. aims to contribute to an economy where people flourish by taking a broad view on welfare and its causes. We aspire to be an internationally renowned school of economics with scientifically robust and socially relevant research and education. We enrich economics with other disciplines to better solve problems and identify opportunities, from a business as well as government perspective.

The PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment agency is the Dutch national institute for research on the environment, nature, spatial planning, and environmental policy in the Netherlands and internationally. PBL is an autonomous and independent policy research institute that is part of the Dutch Government organization and that conducts solicited and unsolicited research. You will interact closely with PBL.

More information

For more information about this position, please contact Inge van den Bijgaart at i.m.vandenbijgaart@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send the following documents via the 'apply now' button:

• your motivation letter;
• your curriculum vitae;
• grade lists of your study programmes;
• a sample of research writing (e.g., a MSc thesis);
• the contact information of two people who can give references.

The application deadline is 22 June 2025.