Predoctoral Research Assistant
Job Title: Senior Research Specialist I (full-time)
Department: SPIA-Julis-Rabinowitz Center for Public Policy & Finance
Start Date: Summer 2024
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early!
Application deadline: January 31, 2024.
Apply here
Based in Princeton’s School of Public & International Affairs and headed by Prof. Atif Mian, the Julis-Rabinowitz Center for Public Policy & Finance promotes research and teaching at the intersection of finance, macroeconomics and policy. We seek to hire talented and motivated predoctoral research specialists to assist several economics and finance faculty working with the center. This position is ideal for graduating seniors or master’s degree students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics or Finance. Previous research specialists have been accepted to top Ph.D. programs including at Stanford, Princeton, Harvard, Yale, MIT, Northwestern, London School of Economics, Columbia, NYU, Barcelona GSE, and U. of Maryland.
This is typically a two-year term position renewable after the first year. Successful applicants will start in summer 2024. The position is based in Princeton, NJ.
The position involves empirical analysis, including more sophisticated statistical modelling, and could also involve theoretical work such as coding of model simulations. Additional duties may be assigned. The position is structured to help individuals prepare for doctoral programs in economics by gaining valuable research experience. In addition to working closely with Center faculty, senior research specialists have opportunities to participate in Princeton’s vibrant academic life of Princeton University through attending seminars, attending classes, and interacting with students and fellows at the Center.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
- BA/BS in economics, mathematics, or computer science, or in a related field (e.g., public policy, with significant coursework in economics, mathematics, statistics and/or programming)
- Experience with statistical programming in STATA and/or R
- Demonstrated interest in empirical social science
- Excellent analytical, empirical, and writing skills, demonstrated through independent work (e.g. course paper, undergraduate thesis, or independent research)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of R, Python, Julia, and/or Matlab
- Experience with LaTex, Unix/Linux
- Familiarity with standard social science data sources, Internet tools, and HTML is desirable
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and as such we encourage applicants to apply early. Short-listed applicants will be contacted for an interview and may be asked to complete a coding exercise. Selected candidates will be required to successfully pass a background check.
Candidates should upload the following as a SINGLE PDF:
(Upload to the "Other Documents" field in the online application.)
- Cover letter and resume
- List of three references
- Transcripts from all previous academic programs
- A research paper in economics or finance (e.g. thesis, course paper, etc.)
- Sample of code (ideally for same paper)
All interested candidates are encouraged to apply. At Princeton's School of Public and International Affairs, we believe that it is vital to cultivate an environment that embraces and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion—fundamental to the success of our education and research mission. This commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment and hiring as we actively seek colleagues of exceptional ability who represent a broad range of viewpoints, experiences, and value systems, and who share Princeton University's dedication to excellence.