PhD Position in Behavioral, Environmental & Development Economics with AI at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in Netherlands

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) invites applications for a PhD position in Behavioral, Environmental, and Development Economics, focusing on the intersection of artificial intelligence and sustainable development. The successful candidate will join the School of Business and Economics at the Zuidas Campus in Amsterdam, working on the project "Fostering Sustainable Development with Artificial Intelligence." This research explores how AI can enhance education, farming, saving and investing, entrepreneurship, and health outcomes, with opportunities to collaborate with leading researcher Menusch Khadjavi and access real-world data from a large research lab in Zambia.

The PhD candidate will conduct high-quality, impactful research, teach for 20% of their time, and engage with an international academic community. The role involves using experiments, fieldwork, and real-world data to address pressing issues in behavioral, environmental, and development economics. Applicants should be current Research Master’s students (1st or 2nd year) with a strong interest in these fields and a passion for interdisciplinary research and real-world impact.

The position offers a competitive salary (€3,059 – €3,881/month), paid holidays, bonuses, conference and research funding, access to sports facilities, and a supportive, international environment. This is a unique opportunity to shape global development policies, work at the intersection of AI and sustainability, and build a strong academic or policy career. The application deadline is 31 July 2026, with a start date in September 2026 or 2027. Required application materials include a CV, motivation letter, transcripts and diplomas, a recommendation letter, and an academic writing sample if available. For more information and to apply, visit the official VU Amsterdam vacancy page.