Institut Quimic Sarria (IQS) – Universitat Ramon Llull
Predoctoral Researcher Funding Contract on Financial Inclusion
Institut Quimic Sarria (IQS) – Universitat Ramon Llull, Villa Espana Colonia, Texas, United States
Institut Quimic Sarria (IQS) – Universitat Ramon Llull
Organisation/Company Institut Quimic Sarria (IQS) – Universitat Ramon Llull Department Economics and Finance Research Field Economics » Financial science Economics » Other Computer science » Database management Engineering » Other Mathematics » Statistics Economics » Econometrics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Spain Application Deadline 14 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 38,5 Offer Starting Date 15 Feb 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description Call for Applications: Predoctoral Researcher Funding Contract 2026
We are offering a
Predoctoral Researcher Funding Contract
to work on the project titled
“Financial inclusion tools to address the challenges related to accessing financial services” . This contract covers a
three-year scholarship
to pursue a PhD within the Business and Territorial Competitiveness, Innovation and Sustainability program (CETIS) at the
IQS School of Management, Universitat Ramon Llull
(Barcelona, Spain). It includes a full-time employment contract starting in March 2026, and full coverage of doctoral tuition fees for the three-year period. The selected candidate will work within a multidisciplinary research environment, engaging with the
Sustainability, Economics and Ethics Research Group (SEE) . The doctoral thesis will be supervised by
Dr. Francesc Prior Sanz
from the Department of Economics and Finance and
Dr. Octasiano Valerio Mendoza
from the Department of Mathematics and Data Analytics.
What is the general project?
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, this project aims to examine innovative solutions like 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 not only to developing nations but also to transition and developed economies.
There are several factors that impede FI among low-income segments of the population. This may be attributed more to an insufficient supply of financial services than to a lack of demand. On this account, there is an unmet demand for financial services in these low-income segments. Providing financial services to these segments is hindered by factors such as high financial costs, inadequate distribution networks, inappropriate risk analysis mechanisms, and regulatory systems that are not well-suited, either because they are not well designed or because the costs involved are too high.
Because of the above-mentioned factors, unbanked customers are compelled to rely on more expensive and less efficient informal services, hindering their economic progress. Addressing the challenges regarding access to financial services requires sophisticated and innovative financial tools. These tools aim to reduce the costs of financial services, expanding distribution networks, and adopting risk methodologies suitable for developing countries. These include remittance flows, the development of new business models, the use of new decentralized technologies, improved regulatory frameworks, and more financial education. Implementing these measures would enable the provision of financial services that align with the existing demand profile in each society, thus facilitating widespread FI.
This PhD project introduces and investigates eight financial innovation tools (FITs) that may address the challenges related to accessing financial services: 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) to construct and analyze novel indicators of financial inclusion across regions; (ii) to assess the effectiveness of the FITs introduced and reviewed and (iii) to generate and propose new FITs that may address the challenges related to accessing financial services.
This is a highly data-driven and interdisciplinary project that combines tools and perspectives from finance and economic sciences. Key methodological components include:
Construction of a novel panel dataset that combines financial inclusion data with detailed geographic, and socio-economic indicators.
Advanced econometric techniques to quantify causality and correlation.
Experimental research on Financial Inclusion innovative cases, to understand how FITs can address the challenges related to accessing financial services. Experimental cases data will be obtained through partnerships with multilateral organizations working on Financial Inclusion.
Key Responsibilities
The doctoral researcher will be based at IQS School of Management, Universitat Ramon Llull (Barcelona, Spain) and will be responsible for carrying out the core research activities leading to the completion of their PhD thesis within the framework of the project
“Financial inclusion tools to address the challenges related to accessing financial services” . This includes advanced data processing and analysis, indicator development, and contributions to the experimental research components of the project. The researcher is also expected to actively participate in training activities, research seminars, and collaborative initiatives led by the SEE research groups. In addition, the position may include some light teaching assistance responsibilities.
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.
Specific Requirements
Ideal candidates should have:
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.
Valued (but not mandatory) qualifications:
Strong communication skills
Languages ENGLISH Level Good
Research Field Economics » Financial scienceComputer science » ProgrammingMathematics » Computational mathematicsMathematics » StatisticsEconomics » EconometricsEconomics » Other Years of Research Experience 1 - 4
Additional Information
The contract will be for a period of 3 years.
Training opportunities, close supervision, and space for creativity.
Expenses derived from research stays and enrollment in doctoral studies will be covered by the university.
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-related protections.
Eligibility criteria
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 “ Financial inclusion tools to address the challenges related to accessing financial services ”. Innovative ideas on how to address financial inclusion challenges will be especially valued.
Selection process
Applications must include the following documents and be submitted no later than
14 December, 2025 :
1. Project proposal and work plan, which must include
Title
Project summary (max. 100 words)
Detailed description of the proposed work plan (max. 2,000 words)
Proposal for publishing and disseminating results
2. Academic transcripts for all university degrees and courses (scanned copies are accepted at the application stage)
4. Letter of motivation
5. Two letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic referee)
6. Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent)
Additional comments
We are an
equal opportunity employer . We promote equality and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law. We strongly welcome applications from female candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level in this field of knowledge in our School.
We also promote
scientific and technological knowledge, business transformation and societal progress . At IQS we look for professionals committed to both these values.
Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Institut Quimic Sarria (IQS) – Universitat Ramon Llull Country Spain State/Province Barcelona City Barcelona Postal Code 08017 Street Via Augusta, 390 Geofield
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Organisation/Company Institut Quimic Sarria (IQS) – Universitat Ramon Llull Department Economics and Finance Research Field Economics » Financial science Economics » Other Computer science » Database management Engineering » Other Mathematics » Statistics Economics » Econometrics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Spain Application Deadline 14 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 38,5 Offer Starting Date 15 Feb 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description Call for Applications: Predoctoral Researcher Funding Contract 2026
We are offering a
Predoctoral Researcher Funding Contract
to work on the project titled
“Financial inclusion tools to address the challenges related to accessing financial services” . This contract covers a
three-year scholarship
to pursue a PhD within the Business and Territorial Competitiveness, Innovation and Sustainability program (CETIS) at the
IQS School of Management, Universitat Ramon Llull
(Barcelona, Spain). It includes a full-time employment contract starting in March 2026, and full coverage of doctoral tuition fees for the three-year period. The selected candidate will work within a multidisciplinary research environment, engaging with the
Sustainability, Economics and Ethics Research Group (SEE) . The doctoral thesis will be supervised by
Dr. Francesc Prior Sanz
from the Department of Economics and Finance and
Dr. Octasiano Valerio Mendoza
from the Department of Mathematics and Data Analytics.
What is the general project?
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, this project aims to examine innovative solutions like 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 not only to developing nations but also to transition and developed economies.
There are several factors that impede FI among low-income segments of the population. This may be attributed more to an insufficient supply of financial services than to a lack of demand. On this account, there is an unmet demand for financial services in these low-income segments. Providing financial services to these segments is hindered by factors such as high financial costs, inadequate distribution networks, inappropriate risk analysis mechanisms, and regulatory systems that are not well-suited, either because they are not well designed or because the costs involved are too high.
Because of the above-mentioned factors, unbanked customers are compelled to rely on more expensive and less efficient informal services, hindering their economic progress. Addressing the challenges regarding access to financial services requires sophisticated and innovative financial tools. These tools aim to reduce the costs of financial services, expanding distribution networks, and adopting risk methodologies suitable for developing countries. These include remittance flows, the development of new business models, the use of new decentralized technologies, improved regulatory frameworks, and more financial education. Implementing these measures would enable the provision of financial services that align with the existing demand profile in each society, thus facilitating widespread FI.
This PhD project introduces and investigates eight financial innovation tools (FITs) that may address the challenges related to accessing financial services: 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) to construct and analyze novel indicators of financial inclusion across regions; (ii) to assess the effectiveness of the FITs introduced and reviewed and (iii) to generate and propose new FITs that may address the challenges related to accessing financial services.
This is a highly data-driven and interdisciplinary project that combines tools and perspectives from finance and economic sciences. Key methodological components include:
Construction of a novel panel dataset that combines financial inclusion data with detailed geographic, and socio-economic indicators.
Advanced econometric techniques to quantify causality and correlation.
Experimental research on Financial Inclusion innovative cases, to understand how FITs can address the challenges related to accessing financial services. Experimental cases data will be obtained through partnerships with multilateral organizations working on Financial Inclusion.
Key Responsibilities
The doctoral researcher will be based at IQS School of Management, Universitat Ramon Llull (Barcelona, Spain) and will be responsible for carrying out the core research activities leading to the completion of their PhD thesis within the framework of the project
“Financial inclusion tools to address the challenges related to accessing financial services” . This includes advanced data processing and analysis, indicator development, and contributions to the experimental research components of the project. The researcher is also expected to actively participate in training activities, research seminars, and collaborative initiatives led by the SEE research groups. In addition, the position may include some light teaching assistance responsibilities.
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.
Specific Requirements
Ideal candidates should have:
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.
Valued (but not mandatory) qualifications:
Strong communication skills
Languages ENGLISH Level Good
Research Field Economics » Financial scienceComputer science » ProgrammingMathematics » Computational mathematicsMathematics » StatisticsEconomics » EconometricsEconomics » Other Years of Research Experience 1 - 4
Additional Information
The contract will be for a period of 3 years.
Training opportunities, close supervision, and space for creativity.
Expenses derived from research stays and enrollment in doctoral studies will be covered by the university.
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-related protections.
Eligibility criteria
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 “ Financial inclusion tools to address the challenges related to accessing financial services ”. Innovative ideas on how to address financial inclusion challenges will be especially valued.
Selection process
Applications must include the following documents and be submitted no later than
14 December, 2025 :
1. Project proposal and work plan, which must include
Title
Project summary (max. 100 words)
Detailed description of the proposed work plan (max. 2,000 words)
Proposal for publishing and disseminating results
2. Academic transcripts for all university degrees and courses (scanned copies are accepted at the application stage)
4. Letter of motivation
5. Two letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic referee)
6. Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent)
Additional comments
We are an
equal opportunity employer . We promote equality and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law. We strongly welcome applications from female candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level in this field of knowledge in our School.
We also promote
scientific and technological knowledge, business transformation and societal progress . At IQS we look for professionals committed to both these values.
Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Institut Quimic Sarria (IQS) – Universitat Ramon Llull Country Spain State/Province Barcelona City Barcelona Postal Code 08017 Street Via Augusta, 390 Geofield
#J-18808-Ljbffr