Project officer – Digital and artificial intelligence economics

European Commission - Joint Research Centre; España; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

European Commission - Joint Research Centre in Spain (Seville) invites applications for a research position within Unit T.1 Digital Economy and Society. The role focuses on empirical economics, data analysis, and policy-relevant research on digital transformation, AI, and digital platforms.

The successful candidate will contribute to the economic and societal implications of digital technologies, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and publish evidence-based policy insights for EU

Qualifications

• PhD in economics or a related field, or a university degree plus at least five years of relevant research experience.
• Experience handling data and applying empirical methods.
• Proven ability to use AI tools to enhance research productivity and to understand AI transformations in economics and policy analysis.

Skills

PhD in econ

AI tools

Empirical econ

English proficiency

Education

PhD or 5+ years experience

Tools

Statistical software

AI platforms

Job description

European Commission - Joint Research Centre

Organisation/Company European Commission - Joint Research Centre Department Joint Research Centre Research Field Economics » Labour market economics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Leading Researcher (R4) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 11 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe (other) Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) provides independent, evidence-based knowledge and science, supporting EU policies to positively impact society.

The current vacancy is with Unit JRC.T.1 Digital Economy and Society of the Directorate T Digital Transformation, AI and Data.

The mission of Unit T.1 is to support EU policies by investigating the current and emerging aspects of digital transformation, analysing its effects on the European economy and society. The Unit examines the EU's positioning in the global digital landscape, analysing the uptake, barriers, and enablers of the digital transformation and innovation within the European economy. In addition, the Unit studies the economic and societal implications of digital technologies, such as AI, digital platforms and data policies, including the impact on digital skills, digital wellbeing, and the digital transformation of the public sector. Our research provides evidence-based insights to policymakers, ensuring that the opportunities and challenges presented by the digital transformation are carefully considered and addressed.

The Data and Platform Economy and Regulation (D-PER) team of the Digital Economy and Society Unit aims to provide insights into the dynamics underpinning the digital transformation, based on sound economic analysis and robust data. Leveraging on our understanding of economic drivers and barriers, and the interplay between markets and regulation, we contribute to the Unit's mission, delivering on the economic and societal implications of digital technologies. Our research is structured around three overarching topics: i) Data Economics and Platforms; ii) Economics of AI; and iii) Digital Risks. The team contributes with economic analysis to digital policy initiatives under the European Digital strategy, including recently the Digital Services Act, the Digital Markets Act, the Data Act, the Platform to Business Regulation or the Geo-blocking Regulation, among others. The team also supports sectoral policies related to platforms, data and artificial intelligence.

We offer:

• A job in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment, with important societal impact in Europe and beyond;
• A unique opportunity to contribute to the analysis and development of the EU policies shaping the digital transformation, working at the interface between science and policy.
• A family-friendly working environment, with online collaboration and occasional travel for conferences/workshops and cooperative work with colleagues in Brussels or other JRC sites.

Candidates should have the following experience/skills (essential):

• A PhD degree, (or equivalently a university degree and at least 5 years of relevant research experience) in economics or a related field relevant to the
  position, with a particular emphasis on empirical work.
• Experience in handling data and statistical software for applied work. Experience in writing and communicating to scientific, policy, business and
  general audiences.
• Candidates should demonstrate practical experience using AI tools (e.g., large language models, data analysis platforms) to enhance research productivity, and
  a working understanding of how AI is transforming methods in economics and policy analysis.
• Very good (C1 level, both written and oral) command of English language.

Specific Requirements

Any of the following skills and experience would be desirable:

• A track record of research on digital economics related to digital platforms,
  artificial intelligence and digital risks, with a particular emphasis on applied work.
• Knowledge of the EU regulatory framework,
• Experience in qualitative and/or behavioural analysis.

Languages

ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

Duration of contract 36 months (renewable up to maximum 6 years)

Indicative basic salary: 4.449,31 - 6.444,59 € (applicable as of 1st of July 2025)

Eligibility criteria

You can apply if:

• You are a citizen of one of the EU Member States or from Associated Countries;
• You have a level of education corresponding to completed university studies of at least three (3) years attested by a diploma and at least five (5) years of professional experience in one of the fields mentioned above OR a doctoral diploma in one of these fields.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute European Commission, Joint Research Centre Country European Union State/Province Spain City Seville Postal Code 41092 Street Avenida Inca Garcilaso Geofield