Predoctoral Fellows Open Positions

Do you find yourself thinking about about why our economy works the way it does, or how to make it better? Wondering whether a career in economic policy research is right for you? A SIEPR Predoctoral Research Fellowships can help you answer these questions!

OPEN POSITIONS

Causal Machine Learning and Econometrics with Misaligned Preferences (Jann Spiess)

Opened 5/29/23

This position would contribute to two interrelated research areas. 1) The predoc would create robust tools for causal inference that leverage machine learning to address policy-relevant estimation questions. This would include developing machine-learning pipelines and validating them with data from randomized trials. 2) The predoc would assist in devising and validating new designs for pre-analysis plans, involving elements of economic and econometric theory, as well as various empirical analysis tasks.

Qualifications: Proficiency in coding languages such as Python, Julia, or R is required. Ideally, candidates should have some experience with machine learning. While a background in computer science is advantageous, it is not mandatory.

Apply for Spiess Predoc Position

Origin and Drivers of Gender Inequality; Economic Implications of Cognitive Limitations (Muriele Niederle)

Opened 4/17/23

This predoc position will focus on a number of projects in two areas: One is the origin and drivers of gender inequality. Projects in this area study the economic implications of gender differences in preferences, beliefs, as well as gender norms. These include studying whether gender norms restrict behavior by women and men, whether affirmative action quotas have spillover and trickle-down effects, and how individuals view the role of affirmative action quotas. The second area concerns economic implications of cognitive limitations. Projects in this area are mostly laboratory experiments that study the role of cognitive limitations, especially contingent reasoning on economic decisions. For example, under what circumstances can individuals learn from feedback or from observing others? This role will focus on all aspects of the projects -- from background research to programming the experiment, conducting basic data analysis, to structural estimation, to slide preparation and paper writing.

Qualifications:  The ideal candidate will have (i) a strong quantitative background, (ii) strong computer skills including programming, (iii) the ability to work independently to solve problems, and (iv) a long-term interest in pursuing research in economics. Background in economics is a plus, but not necessary—we welcome candidates with strong technical backgrounds who are looking for more exposure to economics.

Apply for Niederle Predoc Position