Aarhus BSS Graduate School at Aarhus University is offering a fully funded PhD Scholarship as part of the research project "The Role of Child Benefits for Families’ and Children’s Wellbeing" within the PhD Programme in Economics and Business Economics. This opportunity is open to candidates interested in exploring the long-term effects of child benefit programs, which are prevalent in high-income countries and provide tax credits or unconditional cash assistance to families with children. Despite their widespread use, there is limited causal evidence on how these benefits impact families’ and children’s wellbeing, especially among disadvantaged groups with unstable incomes. The project aims to address these gaps by investigating both the short- and long-run outcomes for children and the efficacy of different program design features.

The research group is led by Professor Marianne Simonsen (Aarhus University), an expert in policies affecting children’s outcomes and Danish administrative data, and co-PI Professor Marianne Page (University of California, Davis), who specializes in intergenerational mobility, equality of opportunity, and the social safety net. Professor Simonsen will serve as the main advisor to the PhD student, providing guidance and expertise throughout the project. The PhD student will have the flexibility to shape their own research questions within the broader framework of the project and is expected to submit a project description outlining their proposed approach.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Economics or Public Policy, with advanced quantitative skills and a focus on causal inference. Experience with administrative data and historical policy documents is beneficial but not mandatory. Applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in research that promotes child wellbeing. The selection process will consider academic qualifications, the quality and relevance of the project proposal, academic aptitude, and the ability to complete the project within the PhD programme’s framework. Candidates are encouraged to provide documentation of their academic ranking or grade distribution to support their application.

The position is based at Universitetsbyen 51, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark, and is available from 1 September 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter). The scholarship covers either a 3-year or 4-year PhD scheme, with terms of enrolment and employment governed by the Ministerial PhD Order and the Rules and Regulations for the PhD programmes at Aarhus BSS Graduate School. Further details on application procedures, assessment criteria, and programme regulations can be found on the university’s website.

To apply, candidates should prepare a project description related to the research topic and submit their application via the Aarhus University portal. For further information about the position, contact Professor Marianne Simonsen at [email protected] or HR supporter Ulla prisholm Bjørn at [email protected] For technical assistance with the application process, applicants may also reach out to HR support.

This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to pioneering research on child benefit programs and their impact on family and child wellbeing, working alongside leading experts in the field at a top European university.