PhD on Economics of Science: Competition, Collaboration, and Scientific Discovery

Introduction

Are you eager to study how rising competition in academia shapes idea selection in science, and what that means for future technological breakthroughs?

Job Description

How does competition shape the ideas we pursue—and the ones we leave behind? Can pressures for performance and funding reduce openness and limit the emergence of truly disruptive technologies? As a PhD candidate in the Technology, Innovation & Society (TIS) group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), you will work at the intersection of the economics of science, innovation, and science and technology studies to help answer these timely and fundamental questions.

The TIS group is an interdisciplinary and international team of scholars researching how societal challenges and technological change co-evolve. The TIS group research focuses on understanding the development and use of technology in a business and societal context. TIS primary research topics are in the knowledge economy, the economics of innovation, system innovation, and sustainability transitions.

During your PhD appointment, you will work under the direct supervision of dr. Emilio Raiteri (TIS).

Why this matters
Your work will shed light on the deep structures that shape how science operates—and how we might improve them. By linking academic incentives to the broader innovation system, your research could inform policies that foster more open, diverse, and impactful scientific work. This is your chance to contribute not only to academic knowledge but also to the future of how we produce it.

Job Requirements

Your profile:

• You hold (or are close to obtaining) a Master’s degree in Economics, Innovation Sciences, Data Sciences, Statistics, or related fields.
• You have a strong background in empirical research methods, econometrics, and/or data science, ideally complemented by experience with statistical software (such as Stata or R) and programming (e.g., Python)
• You have experience working with large datasets (e.g., publications with affiliations, funding, or citation networks) or a willingness to develop these skills
• You have a strong interest in the economics of science and innovation and in research policy.
• You have excellent writing and communication skills in English.
• You are ambitious and strongly motivated to conduct high-quality academic research.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr. Emilio Raiteri, Assistant Professor in the TIS group, e.raiteri@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services (hrservices.ieis@tue.nl).

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including the contact information of three references.
• List of courses, with grades, in Master's and Bachelor's programs
• Results of a recent English language test or other evidence of your English language capabilities.
• A PDF copy of your Master's thesis (if available).

The deadline to apply is October 1st, 2025. The intended starting date for this position is December 2025 (negotiable).

We do not accept applications sent by e-mail or incomplete ones.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.