Postdoctoral Position in Rational Inattention (m/f/d)

The Institute of Economic Research and Policy ( ERP-HSG ) at the University of St.Gallen is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral researcher to work on the SNF-funded project “RIPE - Rational Inattention and Preference Elicitation”. The project is led by Prof. Dr. Michèle Müller-Itten. In this project, we combine experimental, numeric and theoretical methods to study the behavioral implications of flexible, costly learning. The position is limited to two years (extension may be possible) and the start date is flexible but ideally in August or September 2025."

Project Overview:
We use the "ignorance equivalent" approach to Rational Inattention [Müller-Itten et al, 2024] that equates access to learning with a larger menu of fictitious payoffs. Building on these insights, the project aims to shed light on the interplay between preference traits and learning behavior. The main objectives are:

• Develop numeric algorithms that efficiently determine the optimal rational inattentive choice for a range of (uniformly posterior separable) learning cost functions beyond Shannon entropy.
• Use these algorithms to simulate the behavioral impact of different cost functions in concrete settings, and compare it with documented patterns of behavior.
• Design and deploy an experimental protocol that allows us to measure perceived learning costs.
• Implement the protocol in several choice experiments (both online and in the lab) to identify key features that drive the cost of learning.
• Experimentally compare perceived versus experienced learning costs to uncover potential biases.
• Identify how risk attitudes shape the agent's incentives to learn.

How to apply:

Applications should include a cover letter, two letters of reference, a curriculum vitae, and a published or unpublished research paper. In the cover letter, briefly describe your research interests, your motivation for joining the project, and how your background fits the position. Please arrange for two letters of reference to be submitted via direct email to Prof. Michèle Müller-Itten (E-Mail schreiben). Review of applications will start immediately and continue until the position is filled. For further information about this position, please contact Prof. Michèle Müller-Itten.

What to expect as a postdoctoral researcher on this project:

• You will conduct innovative and high-quality research on Rational Inattention and costly learning.
• You will have a central role in all aspects of the research process, from developing theory, coding and/or experiments to the drafting and publishing of academic papers.
• You will have time dedicated to advancing your own research agenda.
• You will supervise and mentor graduate students and research assistants and, to a limited extent, support teaching initiatives.
• You will take a leadership role in organizing workshops, preparing grant proposals, and collaborating on publications.
• You are encouraged to contribute to the overall activities of the Department and attend seminars.
• The position is based in the beautiful city of St.Gallen, Switzerland, and requires regular presence at the department.

 
 

• A Ph.D. (completed or near completion) in Economics, with a strong background in behavioral economics, numerical methods and/or economic theory.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and ambition for conducting high-quality research.
• Hands-on experience with designing and running experiments (lab, online, or field), including coding skills in Qualtrics, JavaScript, oTree, or similar platforms.
• Ability to work independently, think creatively and contribute collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.
• Effective written and verbal English-language communication and time management skills.
• Evidence of the capacity to prepare excellent publications.

 
Compensation:

Compensation is based on the cantonal salary scales available at https://
www.gesetzessammlung.sg.ch/frontend/annex_document_dictionaries/3246
(Klasse F8).

"A place where knowledge is created" - As one of Europe's leading universities of economics and business administration, the University of St.Gallen (HSG), Switzerland, is committed to the education of over 9800 students. The HSG is one of the largest employers in the region and provides an attractive and innovative environment for more than 3300 researchers, educators and professional staff.