At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct original research on why people lie in economic settings.
- Company: Join the University of Essex, a top-ranked research institution.
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD with tuition waiver and tax-free stipend.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent support for your research journey.
- Why this job: Explore cutting-edge economic theories and make impactful discoveries.
- Qualifications: Strong background in economics and mathematics required.
The predicted salary is between 21805 - 21805 € per year.
Why do people lie, and how do incentives shape dishonesty over time? This fully funded PhD at the University of Essex offers the opportunity to answer these questions as part of a UKRI Frontier Research project at the cutting edge of economic theory. We are seeking an ambitious doctoral researcher to join the Department of Economics and contribute to a project exploring Endogenous Lying in Economic Environments. You will investigate how and why individuals misreport information, how incentives to lie evolve, and how monitoring and enforcement influence behaviour.
Funding and duration
- Start date: October 2026
- Duration: 3 years
- Full tuition fee waiver (UK and international)
- Tax‑free stipend at UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026–27)
Project overview
This project examines lying in dynamic economic environments, focusing on how behaviour changes over time. Key themes include whether individuals become desensitised to dishonesty, and how inspection and monitoring affect decision‑making. The research is grounded in core areas of economic theory, including contract theory, mechanism design, and dynamic games such as inspection games. These approaches provide powerful tools for understanding how incentives can be designed to promote truthful behaviour.
Your role
- Conduct original, high‑quality research aligned with the project
- Work under the supervision of Professor Daniel Garrett
- Contribute to theoretical advances, with scope to engage behavioural and experimental perspectives
- Complete advanced PhD training in economics in year one
Why join Essex?
You will be part of a highly ranked and research‑intensive department (4th in the UK for research power, REF 2021), with particular strengths in economic theory and behavioural and experimental economics. Essex offers a collaborative, supportive environment with a strong international reputation.
Person specification
We are looking for candidates with:
- A strong academic background in economics and mathematics
- Training in relevant areas such as contract theory, mechanism design, or dynamic games
- Evidence of research potential
- Excellent written and spoken English
- A clear interest in the project topic
- A merit‑level MRes in Economics, or equivalent, is typically required.
How to apply
Please submit:
- A letter of application
- CV and academic transcripts
- One academic writing sample
Your application should demonstrate your interest in the project and suitability for doctoral research. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. Application deadline: Monday 8 June 2026 (midday)
Take the next step in your research career and contribute to new insights into economic behaviour and decision‑making.
Funding Details
Full fees and a tax‑free UKRI stipend (£21,805 in 2026–27) for three years.
PhD Studentship: Endogenous Lying in Economic Environments in Essex employer: Economicsnetwork
The University of Essex is an exceptional employer for aspiring researchers, offering a fully funded PhD studentship in a highly ranked and research-intensive Department of Economics. With a collaborative work culture, strong international reputation, and comprehensive support for professional development, you will have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research while receiving a generous stipend and full tuition fee waiver. Join us to explore the complexities of economic behaviour in a dynamic and supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Endogenous Lying in Economic Environments in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty members at the University of Essex. They can give you insider info about the programme and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the project topic. Familiarise yourself with key theories and recent research in economic behaviour. Show us that you're not just interested, but passionate about the subject!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong academic writing sample. Choose something that showcases your analytical skills and aligns with the themes of the project. We want to see your potential as a researcher!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Endogenous Lying in Economic Environments in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your genuine interest in the project and how your background aligns with the research themes. We want to see your passion for economics and your unique perspective on the topic of lying in economic environments.
Showcase Your Academic Achievements:When it comes to your CV, highlight your academic background in economics and mathematics. Include any relevant training in contract theory or dynamic games. We’re looking for evidence of your research potential, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Select an Impressive Writing Sample:Choose a writing sample that best demonstrates your analytical skills and understanding of economic theory. It should reflect your ability to engage with complex ideas and present them clearly. We want to see how you think and communicate your findings!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Don’t forget to double-check everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at Economicsnetwork
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you dive deep into the project topic of Endogenous Lying in Economic Environments. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like contract theory and dynamic games. Being able to discuss these areas confidently will show your genuine interest and understanding.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to highlight your academic background in economics and mathematics. Bring examples of your previous research or coursework that align with the project. This is your chance to demonstrate your research potential and how you can contribute to theoretical advances.
✨Practice Your Communication
Since excellent written and spoken English is a must, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might be asked to explain complex ideas simply, so think about how you can convey your research interests and findings effectively.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with the interviewers. Ask insightful questions about the project and the department. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you as well.
