The LEM (UMR 9221), a research unit of the University of Lille, invites applications for a 3-years, fully funded Phd position in Economics, with an emphasis on individual attitudes towards choice, decision delegation, and algorithmic delegation, starting in September 2022.

Research
The PhD student will write a PhD thesis dedicated to the investigation (experimental and theoretical) on how individuals value (or dislike) to have to make decisions (choice attitude), in particular when the possibility to delegate decisions to machines is present (“algorithm aversion”).
The successful candidate will apply standard experimental economics methodologies, or more generally empirical economics methods. The main objective will be to measure experimentally how typical subjects react towards decision-making situation and the possibility to delegate such decisions to other individuals or to algorithms.

The doctoral student will pursue the following objectives:
– Review the empirical and theoretical literature related to choice attitude in general and algorithm/delegation attitude in particular;
– Design experimental protocols that can measure the attitudes mentioned, and test the different theoretical approaches and predictions
– Analyse experimental data
– If possible, construct or refine theoretical models based on experimental results

Qualifications
➢ A Master’s degree in economics or econometrics, possibly in psychology or related discipline but with a strong background in formal topics.
➢ Sound knowledge of economics and econometrics, especially of the behavioural economics, experimental economics and micro-econometrics.
➢ Command of written and spoken English. The research will be carried out in English.
➢ Knowledge of French is a plus.
➢ Experience with econometric software such as STATA or R on the one hand, and experience in coding experiments (Python/Otree or Z-tree or others) on the other hand will be important assets.

Working conditions
The successful candidate is expected to begin his/her assignment in September 2022. The PhD student will work under the conditions of a research contract for 3 years. Salary conditions are in line with the French research system. The student will be based in Lille and will enjoy additional benefits, most notably access to University facilities, restaurants. He/she will participate in the structured doctoral
student training program run by the LEM and the Doctoral School SESAM.
Supervision of the PhD Candidate and the Research team The PhD student will be supervised by Prof. Fabrice Le Lec and will benefit from interactions with the emerging behavioural team within the LEM (Risk and decision).

Application procedure and deadline
Interested applicants should submit:
➢ an exhaustive Curriculum Vitae ;
➢ two letters of recommendation from their academic referees (with their contact details),
➢ a sample of previous research work (e.g. Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis),
➢ a motivation letter explaining the reasons for which he or she wishes to undertake a PhD in this area.
Please send these to Fabrice Le Lec (fabrice.lelec@univ-lille.fr) before 23rdMay 2022.

Key Dates :
– Deadline for sending complete applications: May 23rd, 2022, 23h59
– Pre-selection of application files with an interview: between 24th and 27th May, 2022
– Preparation of the candidate for final interview: between May 30 and June 1, 2022
– Final interview by the Doctoral School: June 3rd 2022