Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 July 2023
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Over the last few decades, addressing issues around diversity and equity has become a priority in organisations. Despite such efforts, disparities in economic outcomes (wages, career progression) achieved by individuals from different backgrounds (gender, ethnicity) persist. Prior research in economics has identified two main channels through which such differences arise, (i) discrimination undertaken by employers and (ii) behavioural differences exhibited by workers from different backgrounds in response to various economic and social incentives. Accordingly, the literature has moved towards designing and evaluating the efficacy of policies that try to mitigate the impact of factors that lead to disparities in economic outcomes.
Decisions undertaken by employers are employees in diverse organisations are often influenced by non-financial incentives. Behavioural biases, cultural social/cultural norms, and misperceptions are commonplace. Further, changing attitudes and behaviour to rectify some of these influences requires adopting new perspectives. Behavioural and experimental economics provides a theoretical and empirical framework (quantitative) for such considerations. In this project, we expect the PhD candidate to critically analyse and extend the existing above-mention literature. Therefore, research proposals should aim to use a behavioural and experimental economics lens to understand and mitigate disparities in economic outcomes in organisations. As a primary place of study, we will use the State of Tasmania in Australia. For context, the State Government of Tasmania has an explicit goal of increasing its population size by 25% through immigration and has identified the need to address issues of diversity and equity as a key ingredient in achieving this target.
The project will be supervised by Prof. Robert Hoffmann and Dr. Ananta Neelim from the Department of Economics.
Primary Supervisor
Meet Dr Ananta NeelimFunding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $31,500 per annum (2023 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Proficiency in quantitative skills (math and statistics) in order to understand papers published in top-tier economics journals
- Basic understanding of the experimental method
- Ability to work independently
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Familiarity with the economics literature on social inclusion, diversity, and discrimination via prior research work or training
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Ananta Neelim to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 July 2023.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
Apply now Explore other projects
Why the University of Tasmania?
Worldwide reputation for research excellence
Quality supervision and support
