Pre-Doctoral Researcher

Description

Professors Andrew Garin and Felix Koenig are hiring a predoctoral researcher supporting their research in labor economics. Examples of current research projects include studying the emergence of new job types and the strategies firms use to recruit talent to these emerging roles, understanding the implications of new forms of gig work and the impacts of regulation, and examining the implications of return-to-office policies on social dynamics. For further examples of research topics that you might work on, please see Andrew's website:  https://sites.google.com/view/andygarin/home and Felix's website: https://www.felixkoenig.com/.

The position is ideal for someone with serious interest in economics research and an intention to apply to graduate school in economics or a related field. The position will involve hands-on experience in data analysis, statistical modeling, research communication, and academic writing. The most important task of the Research Assistant will be to use statistical software to work with large datasets . This work will involve the cleaning and development of data files as well as using econometric and statistical analysis to analyze the data.  The successful candidate will meet regularly with Professors Garin and Koenig to discuss their work, exchange ideas and receive feedback, and will have access to seminars, workshops, and a wide range of other activities at Carnegie Mellon.

The predoctoral researcher will be working full-time at the Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The appointment term is for one year with the strong potential for a second-year renewal conditional on performance. Preference will be given to applicants who have availability to work for two years.

Qualifications

Successful candidates will have demonstrated quantitative skills, coding experience, and mathematical training, including:

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy, computer science, statistics, or a related field

• Significant experience in conducting economic (or related) research, including data processing and analysis. This experience may come from work as a research assistant, independent research during higher education, or similar roles.
• Proficiency in programming in Stata

• Strong academic record 
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English
• Willing to learn other software as needed (e.g., SAS, R).
• Independent judgment, patience, and excellent communication skills are required to respond efficiently to varied/complex tasks.
• Organization and attention to detail is a must.

Preferred skills:

• Advanced coursework in economics and econometrics
• Proficiency programming in R and or Python
• Proficiency in LaTex

Application Instructions

We will review applications on a rolling basis, but will give priority to applications received by March 31st. 2025.

To apply, please submit:

1) A brief cover letter. Please describe your interest in the position, relevant skills (including your experience with Stata) and a detailed description of your prior research experience. Please also include the date you will be available to start work in Pittsburgh.

2) Your resume, (if possible, include your GPA and class rank).

3) Transcripts.

4) Contact information for 2-3 academic or professional references (email and phone number).

5) (encouraged) A writing sample and/or a piece of stata code you wrote, this could be from a thesis/independent research project or part of a previous RA experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Carnegie Mellon University is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition, family status, marital status, parental status, religion, ancestry, veteran status, or genetic information.  Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.