Pre Doctoral Research Fellow - DevLab@Duke/Duke University Department of Economics

Occupational Summary:

• The Associate in Research (Pre Doctoral Research Fellow, “Pre Doc”) will work with Professor Erica Field and co-PIs on applied experimental micro-economic development research directed at informing public policy in low- and middle-income countries. The Pre Doc’s primary duties include data cleaning and management, as well as assisting with statistical and econometric analysis on a variety of international projects. They will also participate in the design and implementation of survey instruments used to collect data from field projects. In ensuring quality fieldwork, they will act as liaisons between project field teams and the PIs. They will be expected to assist with drafting initial results, reports for funders and other stakeholders, conference presentations, and research papers. The Pre Doc will help with composition of grant proposal preparation and other related documents. When needed, the Pre Doc will travel to the field to help launch and manage field projects, as well as to familiarize themselves with these projects. The Pre Doc position typically lasts one year, during which the Pre Doc will work alongside the PIs in developing their own research interests and expertise in development economics. This position will be in-person and based in the Duke Development Economics Lab (DevLab@Duke), within the Department of Economics at Duke University. The Pre Doc will be expected to contribute to Lab activities, advancement, and community building. 
• They will be selected based on their strength in statistics and Stata programing and experience in development economics, including coursework, research projects, and past research assistant positions in this field. Desired candidates will be strongly self-motivated, hardworking, organized, detail oriented, and able to effectively multi-task, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders. 

Work Performed:

• Data cleaning and management (30% effort) 
• Statistical and econometric analysis (20% effort) 
• Research support, preparation of manuscripts and related documents (20% effort) 
• Fieldwork, management of field activities and operations (30% effort) 

Desired Qualifications and Experience: 

Qualifying candidates will be graduates of well-regarded undergraduate or masters programs in economics and related fields, as well as: 

• Strong quantitative and statistical skills 
• Proficiency in programming with STATA
• Significant coursework and experience in economics, statistics, public policy and international development
• Strong interest in international development policy and research
• Excellent organizational, communication, and writing skills
• Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a team player
• Proven ability to handle several different projects/tasks at one time, successfully complete tasks assigned, and meet deadlines. A willingness to work hard, be self-motivated and learn will be essential for doing well in this position. 
• Motivation to travel internationally
• Experience in managing teams and interacting with institutional partners strongly desired
• Prior research experience preferred, particularly in conducting field research in developing countries and with randomized evaluations
• Graduate level coursework is a plus 
• Experience living and working in LMIC’s is a plus