PhD in Finance

The finance faculty at RSM is a vibrant and diverse group consisting of leading international researchers. Our faculty undertakes world-class research that is regularly published in the top academic journals.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates that have an interest in undertaking challenging and rigorous research. Besides a background in finance, we also welcome applicants with an education in Economics or Econometrics.

Candidates should indicate in their cover letter which field best matches their interest:

• Asset Pricing
• Corporate Finance
• Banking and Financial Intermediation

If applicants have already an idea for a research project, they can briefly describe it in their Statement of Purpose. This, however, is not a requirement.

Finance, Asset Pricing, Corporate Finance, Banking and Financial Intermediation

Students choose topics of their own interest, in consultation with their advisors. Our faculty has particular strengths in the following areas:

• Asset pricing: asset management, financial markets, sustainable finance
• Corporate finance: private equity, corporate governance, M&As
• Banking and financial intermediation: financial regulation, FinTech

A list of recent publications by our faculty can be found here .

Each project should aim to contribute to and advance our knowledge in the field of finance, and be undertaken using appropriate methodology. Typically, students work on their first project together with their advisor(s), and gradually become more independent over time. At least one of the papers should be a single authored paper. Students are also encouraged to undertake research with other faculty members, as well as fellow students. Most of our students target the academic market after their PhD, and seek employment as a (tenure-track) assistant professor.

The research methodology may be of empirical, theoretical or experimental nature. During the first two years of the PhD, students will be taught a diverse set of approaches, comprising the main methodologies that are currently used in the profession.

Candidates should have a strong interest in finance, but not necessarily an MSc or MPhil degree in finance since the PhD program involves a thorough curriculum of finance courses. Candidates ideally also have a strong background in micro-economics, econometrics, quantitative economics and/or computational economics.

The research will result in three to four articles, which will be targeted for publication in the top finance journals. In addition, a PhD thesis will be completed that combines these articles.

PhD researchers will typically visit a leading international university (3 to 6 months) to get new stimulus for their research projects, and to deepen their international network.

RSM Finance is part of the Erasmus Finance Group, which also includes finance faculty of the Erasmus School of Economics. RSM Finance has access to excellent research facilities, including most major databases (WRDS, CRSP, Compustat, Datastream, Dealscan, Bloomberg, I/B/E/S, Thomson One Banker, TAQ, CRSP Mutual Funds, SDC, ExecuComp, OptionMetrics, etc.).

RSM Finance is supported by the Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM) through extensive research support to our faculty for organizing and attending conferences, journal submissions, outbound and inbound research visits, databases, etc. Erasmus Finance runs an active weekly seminar series with speakers from top international schools, separate brown bag and PhD seminars, several annual conferences, and a visitor program with eminent finance scholars. For more information see www.rsm.nl/finance

ERIM offers fully-funded and salaried PhD positions, which means that accepted PhD candidates become employees (promovendi) of Erasmus University Rotterdam. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO) .

For questions regarding the PhD application and selection procedure, please check the Admissions or send us an e-mail via phdadmissions@erim.eur.nl .

ERIM is the research institute of management at Erasmus University Rotterdam, founded by Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) and Erasmus School of Economics (ESE), both of which excel in their research and teaching programmes. The level and international character of their research and teaching programmes has put both schools at the forefront of academic excellence. They offer a diversified portfolio of accredited teaching and research programmes, ranging from pre-experience MSc to postgraduate Masters and executive development, and from fundamental research to applied research and business support, which are renowned throughout the world. RSM is one of the few schools worldwide that holds a triple accreditation from the AMBAs, EQUIS and the AASCB, and is positioned among the top European business schools. The scientific staff of both schools plays a major role in the schools’ interaction with the international business community.

ERIM distinguishes itself by the high-level and international character of its research and has repeatedly been ranked among top 3 research institutes in Europe. ERIM’s key aims are top-quality academic research with impact both on academia and managerial practice, and the advancement of international academic careers and high-level support for both research and doctoral education. For more information about ERIM please visit [link:https://www.erim.eur.nl].