Predoctoral Researcher on Financial Inclusion

Predoctoral Researcher on Financial Inclusion

IQS Barcelona invites applications for a Predoctoral Researcher Funding Contract to work on the project “Financial inclusion tools to address the challenges related to accessing financial services”. The position offers a three-year scholarship and full-time employment starting in March 2026, covering doctoral tuition and providing a full employment contract within the Business and Territorial Competitiveness, Innovation and Sustainability (CETIS) program at the IQS School of Management, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain.

Financial Inclusion (FI) is recognized as a crucial instrument for economic advancement. This project explores barriers to FI and tools to improve access to financial services. Key obstacles include high service costs, limited branch access, misaligned risk assessments, poor financial education, and weak regulations. To address these, the project aims to examine innovative solutions such as microfinance, blockchain, and the formal use of remittances. By focusing on both supply and demand challenges, the project seeks to identify effective Financial Inclusion Tools (FITs) that can combat poverty and marginalization, extending FI benefits to developing, transition, and developed economies.

In this PhD project we will investigate eight FITs: mobile money, non-bank financial distribution, behavioural credit risk, workers’ remittances, adapted financial regulation, financial education, microfinance business models, and blockchain technology. The research will pursue three core objectives: (i) construct and analyze novel indicators of financial inclusion across regions; (ii) assess the effectiveness of the FITs; and (iii) generate and propose new FITs to address access challenges. This highly data-driven, interdisciplinary effort combines finance and economic sciences, employing advanced econometric techniques, experimental research, and a novel panel dataset.

Key Responsibilities

The doctoral researcher, based at IQS School of Management, will conduct core research activities leading to their PhD thesis within the project “Financial inclusion tools to address the challenges related to accessing financial services.” Responsibilities include advanced data processing and analysis, indicator development, and contribution to experimental research components. The researcher will also actively participate in training activities, research seminars, and collaborative initiatives led by the Sustainability, Economics and Ethics Research Group (SEE). Light teaching assistance may also be assigned.

Desired Candidate Profile

We invite applications from candidates with a strong academic background and proven interest in financial inclusion and payments, development economics, financial access data analysis, or related fields. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (MSc) in finance, economics, data science, engineering, or other relevant disciplines in social or applied sciences.

• Strong data processing skills, including experience in database management and applied statistics.
• Solid methodological background in quantitative analysis for empirical research (e.g., econometrics, panel data, statistical computing).
• Experience in statistical programming and data processing using tools such as Excel, Stata, MATLAB, Python, or similar.
• Interest in applied research or experimental design (valued but not mandatory).

Selection Process

Prospective candidates are invited to submit a proposal and brief work plan outlining their research interests and how their background and expertise could contribute to the objectives of the project. Innovative ideas on how to address financial inclusion challenges will be especially valued.

Application Requirements and Submission Deadline

Applications must be submitted no later than 14 December 2025 and should include the following documents:

1. Project proposal and work plan, which must include:
   
   • Title.
   • Project summary (maximum 100 words).
   • Detailed description of the proposed work plan (maximum 2,000 words).
   • Proposal for publishing and disseminating results.
2. Academic transcripts for all university degrees and courses (scanned copies accepted).
3. Letter of motivation.
4. Two letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic referee).
5. Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent).

Contact Information

For any questions about this position, please contact Dr. Francesc Prior (francesc.prior@iqs.url.edu) or Dr. Octasiano Valerio (octasiano.valerio@iqs.url.edu).

The employment contract will comply with Spanish labor regulations, providing full access to the Spanish Social Security system, including coverage for healthcare, parental leave, and work-relat