PhD position in Economics, specializing in Economics of Migration and Migration policy

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The PhD student will develop a research agenda on the political economics of migration drawing implications for the integration of migrants in destination countries. European societies face increasing challenges in integrating diverse cultural values and norms, making immigration a central topic in political debates. Concerns over cultural differences between natives and immigrants influence public opinion and policy, often fueling populist sentiments. While research on migration and integration is extensive, evidence remains mixed on whether immigrants assimilate into host societies or retain their cultural traits. Some studies suggest immigrants influence institutions and norms in their new countries, while others highlight a gradual adoption of local values through economic and social integration. However, the factors shaping cultural assimilation and persistence remain insufficiently quantified. This project seeks to address this gap by examining how both origin and destination countries shape immigrants' cultural preferences. An important focus will be on the labor market of the host country, particularly the role of skills—both in terms of availability and how they are valued by local employers. Despite the growing immigrant workforce in Europe, little is known about how firms perceive migrant skills compared to those of natives. Moreover, skill downgrading is a common challenge for migrants seeking employment. Beyond labor market integration, demographic and fertility-related factors are relevant too, particularly from a gender perspective. Also, different patterns can relate to the experience of voluntary versus forced migration. The analysis may leverage the use of large-scale European datasets, country-level datasets or experimental research based upon own original data.

SUPERVISION & RESEARCH TEAM

The PhD student will be supervised by Simone Moriconi in collaboration with Riccardo Turati (Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona). The student will also benefit from interactions with a a team specialists in the fields of labor economics, industrial relations, management and demography, which are part of the IFLAME Research Center and the “Economics and Financial Flows” axis of the LEM research unit.

ABOUT IÉSEG SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

• IÉSEG is AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accredited and is a member of the “Conférence des Grandes Écoles”.
• IÉSEG is member of a CNRS (French National Center for Scientific Research) research lab: LEM.
• IÉSEG’s faculty is very diverse with 45 different nationalities represented.

ABOUT LILLE ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT (LEM)

• LEM is a research unit, that comprises the CNRS, associating the University of Lille and IÉSEG School of Management
• LEM comprises about 200 researchers and 100 doctoral students in economics and management.
• LEM is a young, internationally oriented, and dynamic laboratory with a strong scientific ambition.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master’s degree in economics or econometrics.
• Sound knowledge of economics and econometrics, especially of the economics of migration, international economics, regional economics and micro-econometrics.
• Command of written and spoken English. The research will be carried out in English.
• High level of team-spirit and cooperative attitude.
• Experience with econometric software such as STATA or R will be essential. Experience with Python is also considered a very valuable asset.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The successful candidate is expected to begin his/her assignment in September / October 2025. The PhD student will work under the conditions of a research contract. Gross salary will be competitive with other European research and academic institutions (2200€/month).  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. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINES

Interested applicants should submit:

• their curriculum vitae,
• transcripts of marks at undergraduate (Bachelor’s) and postgraduate (Master’s) level,
• 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. 

Interested applicants must submit their application (consisting of a CV, motivation letter and statement of academic performance) through the recruitment platform, here. For any further question, please contact us by e-mail to s.moriconi@ieseg.fr. or for general information about to process to phd.recruitment@ieseg.fr

Key Dates and expected timeline of the selection process:

• - Deadline for sending complete applications: May 22nd, 2025,
• - Date of Interviews: May 27th,
• - Final deadline for the recruitment: June 2nd

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