Funded PhD in TCD : Economics/Finance of Gold/Silver

blucey

TCD School of Business seeks applicants to enter to study for a PhD under the supervision of Professor Brian Lucey, in the broad area of the economics and finance of the gold market. The successful applicant will receive a bursary "the London Bullion Market Association Bursary" which is valued at €12,000 (€18,000 in the case of Non-EU applicants). Initially guaranteed for the academic year 2010-11, continuation of this bursary is not guaranteed at this stage but is expected to be continued. A major determinant of any continuation will depend on the quality of a candidate’s interaction with the LBMA and its members. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute occasional articles to the LBMA publication "Alchemist" , as well as to contribute to its seminars and conferences as appropriate. Opportunities for internships in LBMA member organizations, on a mutually acceptable basis, will also be possible.



Indicative topics for doctoral study might include a mapping of the gold/silver OTC market, future development of Chinese gold market, gold and silver yield curves, gold/silver as predictors of inflation/deflation, gold/silver as assets for sovereign wealth funds, gold/silver and sovereign debt composition, gold/silver as hedges and safe havens in economic downturns, gold/silver as a diversifier in crisis v calm periods. Further topics can be discussed.



The ideal candidate will possess a Masters degree in economics, finance, quantitative finance, statistics or another cognate numerate discipline. Experience in financial services/precious metals industry is a useful but not required attribute. Candidates who wish to apply for this bursary/Ph.D. studentship should in the first instance contact Prof Brian Lucey, at blucey@tcd.ie, supplying a brief (3-5 page) outline of their research interests in gold and silver as well as their understanding of the issues facing the precious metals industry. They should also supply a CV, a photograph, and as detailed an academic transcript as possible. Label the email "LBMA Bursary" please, and applications are welcome up to 1/February/2011, for entry to the PhD programme in September 2011."