Research Assistant, Department of Finance

Job Description

I am looking for one highly skilled and motivated individual to work as a full-time research professional for a period of at least one year. The start date is subject to negotiation, but may be as early as 1 July 2023.

You will work with NUS Business School Professor Karsten Müller at the Department of Finance. For the most part, you will support Karsten’s ambitious research agenda on the link between credit markets and the real economy. This work uses macro and micro data and cutting-edge statistical methods to understand the drivers and consequences of who in the economy receives credit. Among other things, you will help to (a) construct novel data sources to measure credit market conditions, (b) analyse data to document the role of credit markets in recessions and stock market crashes, and (c) analyse the effectiveness of financial policies and credit subsidies in stimulating economic growth. You may also contribute to a separate agenda that studies the real-life consequences of social media.

You will work with us on a variety of tasks, including data collection and analysis, statistical programming and data visualization, conducting literature reviews, summarizing research findings and policy documents, and editing research papers. An important part of this position will managing several small teams of part-time and full-time research assistants. As such, this position is ideal for individuals with strong interpersonal skills, the ability to manage themselves and others, and an interest in economic research. 

The position is based in Singapore. A successful candidate will be able to participate in the academic life at NUS, including the ability to attend research seminars and PhD courses. I will support you in achieving your interests and goals, which for many candidates will mean applying to world-leading Master’s and PhD programmes, policy organizations, or industry jobs. NUS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants, and job seekers.

At NUS, the health and safety of our staff and students is one of our utmost priority and COVID-vaccination supports our commitment to ensure the safety of our community and to make NUS as safe and welcoming as possible. Many of our roles require significant amount of physical interactions with student / staff / public members. Even for job roles that can be performed remotely, there will be instances where on-campus presence is required. Successful applicants who are not fully COVID-vaccinated will need to abide to national measures, which may include daily ART (Antigen Rapid Tests) at their own costs and time, when assuming duties on campus. They will also be required to adhere to advisories from the relevant Ministries and NUS at all times.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will:

1. have a strong background in economics, finance, or a related field; 

2. have proven organizational and management skills;
3. be able to work independently to solve problems; and
4. are highly organized and pay attention to details.

A background in economics or finance is a plus but not necessary. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and self-directed, adept at learning new technical skills when needed. 

Candidates should submit the following documents:

• Cover letter and resume
• List of two or more references
• Transcripts from previous academic programs, where relevant
• If available: A research paper (undergrad thesis, term paper, etc.)
• If available: Sample of code (ideally for same paper)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.