The dean of the Faculty of Economic Sciences University of Warsaw announces a competition for the position of Assistant Professor in the project “A life course microsimulation perspective on multi-dimensional well-being for five European countries”. CHANSE "Enhancing well-being for the future"
The work of the Polish team is funded by National Science Center
Prof. Michal Brzezinski - head of the Polish team within the international consortium, which, in addition to the UW, includes CeMPA (UK), University of Barcelona (Spain), Stockholm University (Sweden) and IAB (Germany). The project leader is Prof. Matteo Richiardi, director of CeMPA (University of Essex, UK)
Well-being is a multi-dimensional concept that spans a variety of life domains and time scales, affected by variable determinants across the life course. As such, it eludes simple analytical frameworks, and calls for an integrated approach. Data limitations, however, significantly constrain empirical analyses. The relationship between subjective and objective measures of well-being is also difficult to analyse in the absence of retrospective information on individual histories and prospective information reflecting expectations for the future, all of which bear upon a broad interpretation of well-being.
Against this background, we propose a step-change in the analysis of well-being by using dynamic microsimulation methods to augment existing data sources. Preliminary analysis of interrelationships between individual well-being and multiple life domains – including work, family, and health – will be of stand-alone interest, in addition to forming the basis for integrating measures of well-being in a state-of-the-art dynamic microsimulation model. The new model will allow us to generate in silico complete life-course trajectories from existing survey data.
We propose to use our innovative microsimulation approach to analyse the distributional dynamics of well-being over the life course for five European countries, reflective of diverse welfare regimes: Germany (conservative), United Kingdom (liberal), Spain (Mediterranean), Poland (post-Communist) and Sweden (Nordic). Analysis will explore how well-being is affected by aggregate and individual crises, distinguishing between personal shocks, and macro-economic events. A key focus of research interest will be the efficacy of policy interventions designed to enhance the resilience of individual and social well-being to considered crises.
Basic responsibilities and obligations:
- Collaboration on microeconometric analysis of the determinants of well-being over the life cycle of individuals
- Collaboration in the analysis of measures of multidimensional well-being and measures of inequality in multidimensional well-being
- Developing the Polish version of the dynamic microsimulation model (model estimation, adding modules related to subjective well-being, etc.).
- Use of the dynamic microsimulation model to estimate changes in welfare over time (in cooperation with teams from other countries)
- Use of the dynamic microsimulation model to analyze the impact of labor market crises on the welfare of individuals
- Preparation of scientific publications based on the obtained research results and presentation of results at scientific conferences
- Participating in administrative and organizational work related to the project (including participation in monthly project meetings)
- Co-organization of the project meeting at the University of Warsaw
- Co-organization of meetings presenting project results to social partners
Start of work: 1 October 2025
Period of employment: 6 months with possibility of extension up to 30 months after positive evaluation
Gross annual salary of PLN 140,000 (the amount includes the employer's costs and the 13th salary)
Other working conditions:
- Budget for computer equipment and travel to conferences
- Possibility of partial remote work
- Work in an international research team (UW, CeMPA, University of Barcelona, Stockholm University, IAB) bringing together leading European centers in microsimulation and wellbeing research
- Conducting research whose results can be published in prominent scientific journals
Conditions for entering the competition:
- Fulfillment of the requirements set forth in Article 113 of the Law on Higher Education and Science (Journal of Laws 2024, item 1571, i.e.).
- Doctoral degree in economic sciences obtained in an institution other than University of Warsaw (or completed at least 10 months of continuous and documented postdoctoral training at an institution other than University of Warsaw and in a country other than the country in which the doctoral degree was obtained) and in the year of employment in the project or within 7 years prior to January 1 of the year of employment in the project (the time limit from obtaining a doctoral degree for female applicants for these positions may be extended by 1.5 years for each child born or adopted).
- Knowledge of measures and ways to measure individual and social well-being in economics
- Very good knowledge of microeconometrics
- Proficient programming skills (R, Stata)
- Strong research skills in economics as evidenced by publications in good scientific journals
- International experience; significant scientific achievements; presenting a plan for further scientific activity
In addition, we expect:
- Knowledge of dynamic microsimulation models
- Knowledge of Java programming
- If hired, we expect the University of Warsaw to be the primary place of work for the successful candidate, in the period of receiving the remuneration they will be receiving no remuneration from another employer pursuant to an employment contract
Method of submitting an application:
Email to: mbrzezinski@wne.uw.edu.pl with “Post-doc WELLSIM” in the email title
Accessibility needs should be indicated by mail.
Required documents:
One PDF file consisting of the following documents:
1. CV (with a list of academic publications)
2. A cover letter indicating why the candidate wants to work in the project
3. A copy of the doctoral degree or other document confirming that the candidate will obtain a doctoral degree no later than the date of employment in the project
4. Candidate’s statements (https://www.wne.uw.edu.pl/application/files/7617/4844/1718/EN\_ogloszenie-projekt\_statements.pdf)
The competition is the first stage of the recruitment process, please read the Policy of Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment at the University of Warsaw link
To apply, send a message to mbrzezinski@wne.uw.edu.pl. (See posting for details.)