Research Professor Jobs in Behavioural Economics

🧠 Understanding Research Professor Jobs in Behavioural Economics

A Research Professor in Behavioural Economics holds a prestigious academic position dedicated to advancing knowledge in this interdisciplinary field. This role centers on investigating how human psychology shapes economic choices, moving beyond classical assumptions of rational actors. Research Professors lead cutting-edge studies, publish influential papers, and influence policy through evidence-based insights. Unlike teaching-heavy roles, the emphasis here is on generating original research that explains phenomena like overconfidence in investments or the endowment effect in markets.

The position has evolved since the 1970s, when Herbert Simon introduced bounded rationality, laying groundwork for modern behavioural insights. Today, Research Professors in this specialty thrive in universities worldwide, contributing to real-world applications such as designing better public policies or improving consumer protection.

For a broader view of Research Professor positions across disciplines, explore general overviews available on AcademicJobs.com.

Definitions

Behavioural Economics: A branch of economics that integrates insights from psychology to understand systematic deviations from rationality in decision-making, such as biases and heuristics.

Prospect Theory: Developed by Kahneman and Tversky in 1979, this theory describes how people value gains and losses differently, leading to risk-averse behavior for gains and risk-seeking for losses.

Nudge: A concept popularized by Thaler and Sunstein, referring to subtle changes in choice architecture that encourage better decisions without restricting freedom.

Heuristics: Mental shortcuts that simplify decision-making but often lead to predictable errors, like availability bias where recent events overly influence judgments.

Roles and Responsibilities

Research Professors in Behavioural Economics design and execute experiments, both in labs and fields, to test theories. They analyze data using advanced statistical methods, author papers for top journals like the American Economic Review, and secure grants from funders such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) or European Research Council (ERC). Collaboration with psychologists, policymakers, and industry partners is common, often leading to applications in finance, health, and environmental policy.

• Develop novel models incorporating cognitive biases.
• Mentor PhD students and postdocs on experimental protocols.
• Present findings at conferences like the Society for Experimental Economics annual meeting.
• Contribute to public discourse through op-eds or advisory roles.

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Experience, and Skills

To qualify for Research Professor Behavioural Economics jobs, candidates need a PhD in Economics, Psychology, or Behavioural Science. Postdoctoral research experience (2-5 years) is standard, alongside a proven track record of 20+ peer-reviewed publications.

Research Focus or Expertise Needed: Deep knowledge in areas like decision theory, neuroeconomics, or behavioural finance. Expertise in running randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or analyzing large datasets from sources like online platforms.

Preferred Experience: Leading funded projects (e.g., $500K+ grants), high-impact citations (h-index 15+), and interdisciplinary work. Experience as a research assistant or postdoc, as shared in tips for excelling as a research assistant, builds a strong foundation.

Skills and Competencies: Proficiency in programming (Python, MATLAB), econometrics, survey design, and ethical research practices. Soft skills include clear communication for grant proposals and interdisciplinary teamwork.

Career Advancement Advice

Aspiring Research Professors should prioritize high-quality publications early, network at behavioural economics workshops, and craft compelling applications. A standout academic CV highlights metrics like journal impact factors and grant success rates. Explore related research jobs or professor jobs to gain experience.

Next Steps for Behavioural Economics Research Professor Jobs

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