Postdoctoral researcher "Subjective well-being and income"

Postdoctoral researcher "Subjective well-being and income"

Deadline 21 Feb ’26 Published 13 Feb ’26 Vacancy ID V26.1730-EN

Are you an empirically oriented economist interested in income, happiness, and life satisfaction? Do you want to work with large-scale international survey data and contribute to high-quality replication research in the economics of happiness?

The Faculty of Economics and Business invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to work on an externally funded project on income and subjective well-being, supported by the Open Science NL Replication Studies programme of the Dutch Research Council (NWO). The project examines the relationship between income, happiness, and life satisfaction using large-scale cross‑country survey data.

You will work closely with Prof. Milena Nikolova and focus on replicating influential research in the economics of happiness using data from the Gallup World Poll and the Global Flourishing Study. The position carries no teaching obligations.

What are you going to do?

• conduct econometric analyses using large‑scale individual‑level survey data
• replicate existing studies on income and subjective well‑being
• work with hedonic, evaluative, and eudaimonic well‑being measures
• produce publication‑quality tables and figures
• contribute to academic papers, policy outputs, and conference presentations
• search for, assess, and summarize relevant academic literature
• manage data, code, and documentation in line with open science standards
• work independently while coordinating closely with the principal investigator

Requirements

• You hold a PhD in Economics, or you are close to completing one
• You have experience with large‑scale cross‑country survey data (such as the Gallup World Poll or the Global Flourishing Study)
• You have strong econometric and data‑coding skills
• You demonstrate clear interest in and knowledge of subjective well‑being measures
• You have an interest in Open Science principles and replication studies
• You understand core economic models linking income and well‑being
• You communicate research clearly and effectively in English
• You have solid experience producing publication‑quality graphs and figures
• You can work independently and take initiative

Conditions of employment

Fixed‑term contract: A temporary appointment of 0.8 FTE for 24 months without the possibility of extension.

What can you expect from us?

• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38‑hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40‑hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36‑hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End‑of‑year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.

Employer University of Groningen

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

Department Faculty of Economics and Business

Shaping a better future together – your career starts at FEB. The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at the University of Groningen is a vibrant academic community with a clear mission: to develop knowledge that matters. With students and staff from over 100 countries, we foster an international working and learning environment where societal impact, world‑class research, and innovation are at the core. At FEB, you’ll join committed colleagues who inspire and challenge one another. Whether you're a researcher, lecturer, or support professional, your skills and ambition will contribute to educating tomorrow’s leaders and thinkers. We encourage personal development and provide plenty of room for initiative and growth. Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore our vacancies and become part of one of the Netherlands’ leading faculties.

You will join the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Groningen and be embedded in the Department of Global Economics and Management. The department conducts internationally visible research on economic behavior in a global context. English serves as the working language.

You will work under the supervision of Prof. Milena Nikolova, Full Professor of Economics of Well‑being.

Additional information

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about your application process?
Wesley Maynard (Human Resources Adviser): w.g.maynard@rug.nl

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