School

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area

Economics

Position Description

The Weiss Fund for Research in Development Economics is recruiting a Cambridge-based Research Fellow with top-notch research skills to evaluate research project proposals and support a portfolio of development economics projects. The Research Fellow will report to the Weiss Fund faculty director and the program director and contribute to data analysis, development economics research, and program development for the fund’s micro-grant activities.

The successful candidate will have experience in development economics and project analysis. This position requires an individual who is a self-starter and thrives working independently, with minimal supervision, as well as part of small research teams, juggling multiple projects concurrently and effectively meeting tight deadlines. The position offers the opportunity to work directly with Prof. Michael Kremer, other leading development economists at Harvard University, and faculty at other top tier institutions.

Duties and Responsibilites

• Engage in research with development economics faculty to further the Fund’s goals.
• Conduct data cleaning and data analysis, develop literature reviews, contribute to survey and RCT design and implementation related to development economics research conducted by faculty.
• Ensure research compliance at the individual and institutional levels for affiliated projects, with special attention the use of human subjects.
• Draft and develop key project research documents and presentations in close collaboration with other researchers.

This is a one-year term position with the possibility of renewal based on funding and performance.

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in economics, statistics, public policy, public administration, or a related field including economics quantitative coursework.
• Minimum 2 years work experience in a research context, with proven analytical and quantitative skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to produce written materials that are clear and compelling materials geared towards technical and non-technical audiences.
• Mature, self-directed individual with ability to balance multiple tasks and prioritize effectively to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced working environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail.
• Experience with a statistical analysis package such as R, Python, or Stata.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office and Acrobat suites.
• Ability to work both independently, in a self-directed manner, and as a team member.
• Strong interest in economic development.

Additional Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to interact well with faculty, staff, students and research partners.
• Previous field and/or office experience in a research environment.
• Ability to work both independently, in a self-directed manner, and as a team member.

Contact Information

Kristen Lynch, Assistant Director of Academic Services, Harvard Economics Department

The Weiss Fund for Research in Development Economics supports development economics research by students and ladder faculty at selected top universities. The Weiss Fund sponsors projects that address a wide range of issues affecting less developed countries, aiming to support research that will positively affect the lives of poor people in poor countries. The faculty directors of the fund is Prof. Michael Kremer at Harvard University.

More information about the Weiss Fund is available at https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/wfrde

Contact Email

klynch@fas.harvard.edu

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.