Description
The Yale Research Initiative on Innovation and Scale (Y-RISE) is seeking a full-time postgraduate associate. The position is for one to two years, and we have a strong preference for applicants that plan to stay for at least two years. The position will work from the Y-RISE office and participate in the Yale Economics Department's pre-doctoral Tobin RA program. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the preferred start date of Spring 2026.
The job will consist of collaboration on a number of new and ongoing projects related to the Y-RISE research agenda on the effects of large-scale development interventions. The focus of this research may include assessing the general-equilibrium effects of interventions, the effects of programs on political outcomes, the external validity of initial estimates of program effects in different locations and years, and the implementation challenges that arise when programs scale. Professor Mushfiq Mobarak's work on seasonal migration is an example of the type of research that fits within this agenda.
Primary responsibilities include planning study design, cleaning and analyzing large datasets, helping to write papers and proposals, generating figures and tables, and supporting quality assurance of on-going fieldwork.
Training and Mentorship that the candidate will have access to:
Training: The candidate will receive training on skills including but not limited to technical research skills, including the ability to conduct statistical analysis on economic and experimental data; designing and managing field experiments; literature on many key topics in economic development, especially the design and evaluation of large-scale programs; and soft skills necessary for academic research, such as the ability to collaborate, communicate, self-motivate, and manage multiple projects effectively.
Mentoring: The candidate will receive mentoring from Professor Mushfiq Mobarak, through group and 1:1 meetings. He will help facilitate academic relationships with other faculty, postdoctoral associates, and other future graduate students in their field as well. Finally, the candidate will also have access to mentorship through the Tobin Center for Economic Policy
Education: The candidate will have access to the resources provided as part of the Tobin Pre-doc Program including taking for credit or auditing one course per semester, participating in a weekly professional development seminar, and attending department research seminars.
The position is located at Yale University. The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and complies with the Yale Office of Postdoctoral Affairs compensation policy and includes a benefits package.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will: (i) be detail-oriented with programming experience in statistical software such as Stata, R, Matlab, or Python; (ii) have a strong quantitative background; (iii) be able to work independently to solve problems; and (iv) have a long-term interest in pursuing research in economics. Familiarity with economics and randomized controlled trials is preferred - but we also welcome applicants with strong technical backgrounds who wish to increase their exposure to economics and related fields.
Application Instructions
TO APPLY: All application materials must be submitted online via Interfolio https://apply.interfolio.com/174070
1. A cover letter describing:
a. Your interest in the position
b. Your familiarity with statistical software and programming languages (e.g. Stata, R, Matlab, Python, etc.)
c. Your prior experience as a research assistant and/or with independent research projects.
d. Names, e-mail addresses and phone numbers of 2-3 references
2. A CV
3. Transcripts (unofficial is fine)
4. Three academic/professional references
5. Letters of recommendation (optional)
Shortlisted applicants may be asked to complete a set of technical exercises. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to contact all applicants.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives.
Additionally, in accordance with this Policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual's sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions; race; color; national or ethnic origin; religion; age; disability; protected veteran status, or other protected classes as set forth in federal and Connecticut law.
Professional Conduct Review for New Faculty Hires
The final candidate, upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment/faculty appointment, may be required to disclose whether they are, or have been, the subject of any disciplinary proceeding (investigation, hearing, etc.) at previous institutions or employers, and may also be subject to a background screening. Candidates who materially misrepresent information on their resume or other application materials are ineligible for hire/appointment. Final candidates may also be required to sign a release to allow Yale to solicit information regarding any substantiated conduct violations from current and/or past employers.
