Description Title: Graduate Research Assistant Position Number: 0000GA11 Hiring Unit: College of Social Sciences - Department of Economics Location: Manoa Campus Date Posted: June 17, 2026 Closing Date: Continuous recruitment until position filled Salary Information: Step 15 ($29,148 annually, MA Program); Step 17 ($31,524 annually, PhD program) at 50% FTE Monthly Type: 11-month Full Time/Part Time: Part-Time - Full time equivalency 50% Temporary/Permanent: Temporary Graduate Research Assistant This research project investigates how recent technological and regulatory advancements in the financial sector impact financial inclusion and household welfare. Specifically, it explores three major global innovations: open banking frameworks, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and regulations surrounding stablecoins and tokenized deposits. The GA will directly contribute to the theoretical setup, quantitative analysis, and the formulation of the final policy recommendations.
Furthermore, the GA will be actively involved in writing and knowledge mobilization, assisting with drafting sections of major extramural grant proposals (such as to the NSF or SSHRC) and potentially developing independent or co-authored research papers under the PI's supervision. Other conditions: Appointment to begin Summer 2026. The initial appointment is scheduled to run until Spring 2027.
Continuation is contingent upon project needs, satisfactory work performance, academic progress, and availability of funds. Duties and Responsibilities: The GA will share responsibilities with the PI and coauthor across the lifespan of the project, specifically undertaking the following duties: Literature and Institutional Review: Conduct structured, comprehensive reviews of existing literature regarding financial inclusion, open banking, CBDCs, and tokenized deposits, as well as map the specific institutional and regulatory features in US, Canada, and internationally. Data Collection and Management: Assemble, clean, and manage large-scale, bank-level datasets and empirical financial inclusion statistics for the US and Canada.
Computational Modeling and Programming: Assist in designing and refining numerical solution methods and simulation algorithms, using advanced programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, or Julia. Calibration and Policy Simulation: Support the calibration of the macroeconomic model using empirical targets and implement the various policy experiments. Data Visualization and Dissemination: Generate high-quality figures, tables, and quantitative outputs for use in academic presentations, journal publications, and policy notes.
Grant Proposal Development: Assist in assembling preliminary data, analyzing early results, and drafting the narrative sections for subsequent multi-year extramural grant applications. Other related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: Classified, full-time (minimum 6 credits) graduate student in good academic standing (GPA of 3.0 or above) at the University of Hawai?i at Manoa
Certificate and non-degree students are not eligible. Must be an enrolled graduate student with a foundational background in macroeconomics or monetary theory Demonstrated analytical skills and the ability to conduct structured, independent academic literature reviews Basic proficiency in at least one relevant programming language required for macroeconomics or monetary modeling, specifically MATLAB, Python, or Julia Experience with empirical data collection, data cleaning, and basic data management techniques Strong written and verbal communication skills required to assist in drafting research narratives and participating in academic/policy discussions. Desirable Qualifications: Advanced programming skills and prior experience coding numerical solution algorithms or running simulations for macroeconomic or monetary models Familiarity with Burdett and Judd (1983)-type search models, liquidity frictions, or dynamic general-equilibrium frameworks Prior research experience working directly with bank-level financial data, balance-sheet ratios, or demographic financial inclusion statistics Existing knowledge of the literature surrounding digital finance, specifically Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), cryptocurrency ecosystems, or open banking frameworks Experience in grant writing or co-authoring academic proposals A demonstrated ability to synthesize complex quantitative economic research into accessible policy briefs or presentations for non-academic government audiences To Apply: Submit the following materials to Dr.
Liang Wang, Associate Professor and Graduate Chair, Department of Economics: Cover letter explaining how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications, curriculum vita or resume, names and contact information (including email addresses) of 2 professional references, and official transcripts (copies are acceptable; however, official transcripts are required prior to hiring). For security reasons, do not send applications via email. Applications must be submitted electronically to Dr.
Liang Wang (lwang2@hawaii.edu) via UH FileDrop Services at https://www.hawaii.edu/filedrop/ with the expiration timer for the file upload to 7 days. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application materials will not be returned
Inquiries: Dr. Liang Wang (lwang2@hawaii.edu) EEO, Clery Act, ADA The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/ Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office. Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly
Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/