Postdoctoral Fellowship in Applied Economics (Labor/Health), Dulbea, SBS-EM, ULB

The Department of Applied Economics at the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management (SBS-EM), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), is offering a Postdoctoral Fellowship in applied Economics. The fellowship will provide successful candidates with the opportunity to join a dynamic research team at Dulbea, the university’s applied economics research center. DULBEA’s work combines advanced econometric methods and administrative data to evaluate labor-market and health policies, focusing on vulnerable groups such as disability-benefit recipients, low-skilled workers, jobseekers, and workers with mental health issues. The center values research at the scientific frontier with strong societal relevance and policy impact, fostering an environment that bridges academic excellence and real-world application.

Ongoing projects include large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and experimental studies conducted in collaboration with Belgian labor administrations. These projects evaluate, among others, supported employment programs for disability insurance recipients and address training–jobseeker mismatches through experimental interventions. They also investigate behavioral nudges aimed at encouraging return-to-work among individuals on disability benefits, as well as the impact of digital communication overload and hybrid work arrangements on employees’ well-being and mental health through firm-level RCTs.

The successful candidate is expected to contribute to this research agenda in collaboration with the other members of the research team, with the goal of achieving an excellent publication performance. The grant will start with a flexible date, as early as February 2026, for two years, with the possibility of an extension for an additional two years.

Candidate Profile:

Applicants should hold a PhD in economics (or expected completion of PhD no later than summer 2026) and have strong research interests in labour and disability/health economics. Outstanding skills in empirical microeconomics and advanced econometric techniques are essential, as is an interest in public policy and its evaluation. Experience with survey design and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is a plus. Fluency in English is required, and light teaching duties may be included.

For more information:

Prof. Ilan TOJEROW, SBS-EM (Dulbea), ULB & IZA – [email protected]

Magali Verdonck, PhD, SBS-EM (Dulbea), ULB – [email protected]

Applications must be written in English and must include the following:

1. A motivation letter;
2. A full CV including a list of publications;
3. Your job market paper;
4. Two letters of reference;
5. A copy of the PhD diploma or a letter stating the expected defence date.

Full applications must be sent by e-mail to [email protected]. Applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.