Development Economics Research Fellow - Yale Inclusion Economics

Job Description

Professor Rohini Pande, Henry J. Heinz II Professor of Economics, Director of the Economic Growth Center and Inclusion Economics at Yale University, is looking to hire one or more highly skilled and motivated pre-doctoral research fellows to work as part of her research team. The position will involve assistance with all stages of empirical research in international development and gender economics.

The studies typically explore evidence-driven, policy-relevant research questions related to inclusion in India, Nepal, and Kenya. Studies are varied in both question and method, with current work including research exploring how communicating flood warnings to specific gatekeepers in vulnerable communities can improve mitigation measures; how closing information asymmetries among bureaucrats and politicians affects service delivery; informing Nepal’s political transition to federalism; exploring higher-value payment for ecosystem services contracts for higher-risk land; and exploring mechanisms to close the gender gap in access to mobile technology, financial services, and economic opportunities.

Fellows are exposed to cutting-edge topics and research methods in this area. This position is data-intensive, and the selected candidate will be expected to analyze survey data, administrative data, and intervention monitoring data. Good writing skills are valued. Fellows join in weekly lab meetings and benefit from opportunities to work with Professor Pande and academic economists at Yale and other universities. The position is offered for one year, with a strong preference for a second year renewal.

Inclusion Economics at Yale University (YIE) is a policy-based research initiative based out of the Yale Economic Growth Center (EGC) and Yale Macmillan Center, and works in collaboration with other researchers from Yale as well as other institutions, such as Inclusion Economics India Centre and Inclusion Economics Nepal. YIE draws upon economics, political science, and related fields to conduct cutting-edge research to understand how policy can promote inclusive, accountable economies and societies. Our core research focuses on gender as it relates to labor economics and broader economic empowerment, political economy and governance, and environmental economics.  

Responsibilities for this position include

• Cleaning and managing large datasets;
• Conducting statistical analyses of data using Stata;
• Preparing literature reviews, background research, and other draft content for grant proposals and academic papers;
• Drafting project reports, slide-decks, research protocols, and other project documents;
• Working with field research teams, including travel to study sites (South Asia, multiple sites)

Requisite Skills and Qualifications

• Strong quantitative background: This could include Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Economics, Data Science, International Development, or other degrees with substantial quantitative coursework
• Strong computer skills including programming in Stata and/or R Strong academic record and interest in pursuing a PhD in economics
• Strong interest in public policy and economic development research, with a focus on India, Nepal, and/or Kenya
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to work independently
• Willingness to travel to South Asia or Sub-Saharan Africa, including rural areas
• Prior experience as a research assistant in Economics or a related field is preferred.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Job Description: Predoctoral Fellow (20Sep24).docx