Pre-doctoral Researcher

Predoc Research Assistant

Awa Ambra Seck and Natalia Garbiras-Díaz (Harvard Business School)

We are seeking a full-time predoctoral research assistant (RA) for the 2026–2027 academic year, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year. The RA will work with Professors Awa Ambra Seck and Natalia Garbiras-Díaz on empirical research projects in applied economics and political economy.

The RA will support a variety of projects. Professor Seck’s work includes research on migration patterns and behavioral biases between Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Europe, as well as the economic impact of colonial policies in West Africa. Professor Garbiras-Díaz’s work focuses on the political economy of development, particularly local governance, political leadership, organized crime, and security sector policies in Latin America. These projects involve experimental and quasi-experimental methods and require both qualitative and quantitative contributions.

The position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in research related to political economy and development economics, while working closely with two young scholars based at HBS. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated student eager to learn and assist with experimental and quasi-experimental methods in economics. An interest in how policy can support developing countries and marginalized communities is an asset.

Details of the Position:

• Duration: 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for an additional 12 months
• Start Date: July 1, 2026
• Location: Cambridge, MA, USA
• Benefits and Compensation: View Benefits and Compensation
• For more details, please visit here.

Responsibilities:

The pre-doctoral researcher will be involved in a range of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Clean and manage datasets from field experiments and administrative sources
• Conduct econometric analysis using Stata or R
• Assist with writing IRB protocols and grant applications
• Conduct literature reviews and help draft research papers and reports
• Support fieldwork preparation and coordination (prior field experience is a plus)

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field with strong quantitative training
• Demonstrated knowledge of statistical methods for causal inference
• Experience working with experimental or quasi-experimental data; experience with IRB and grant applications is a plus
• Strong writing skills, especially for research and grant purposes
• Proficiency in Stata or R (required); familiarity with other software is a plus
• Intermediate proficiency in French, Spanish or Portuguese (desirable)
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Legal authorization to work in the United States (we are unable to sponsor visas for this position)
• Interest in pursuing a PhD in Economics, Public Policy Political Science, or a related field (desirable)