Pre-Doctoral Researcher - Urban Retail Project, India

Position overview

Researchers Livia Alfonsi (Harvard Business School), Lori Beaman (Northwestern University), Anisha Sharma (Ashoka University) and Karmini Sharma (Imperial College London) seek a Research Assistant based in Delhi, India. While the position is primarily Delhi-based, some remote work may be possible, with the expectation that the Research Assistant will be in Delhi during key periods of fieldwork and coordination. The position will offer the opportunity to gain first-hand research management experience (e.g., managing field operations, interacting with partner organizations) as well as the opportunity to undertake cutting-edge development research. 

This position is ideal for candidates looking to apply to PhD/MPA/MPP programs in Economics/Public Policy. The RA will work closely with the PI’s in managing the field operations, conducting data analysis and communicating with partner organizations. 

Project description

The project aims to study the barriers to firms in implementing safety measures for its employees with special focus on female employees. The project involves surveys and experiments with firms and their employees in different industrial sectors in India in major cities. The project was accepted via pre-results review at the Journal of Development Economic and you can learn more about it here. 

Position 

We are looking for a candidate who is passionate about research and fieldwork, who can work independently, who is enthusiastic, highly organized, proactive and able to learn quickly in a changing environment. Responsibilities will include data cleaning and econometric analysis, as well as assisting with data collection activities, designing survey instruments, and preparing training materials for surveys. The candidate should have excellent communication skills (both written and oral) and good time management skills. 

Roles and responsibilities

The RA will work closely with the PIs and the Field Manager on the project to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to: 

• Participate in data collection activities, such as: 
  • Contribute to the design of quantitative survey instruments;
  • Work on the programming of the survey instruments on data collection software (for example, using SurveyCTO and Survey Solution); 
  • Manage fieldwork activities, including enumerators training and visiting the field regularly to assist with monitoring, to ensure maximum data quality;
  • Manage and organise the data coming in from the field to the central server using STATA;
  • Maintain regular project documentation on all work streams.
• Support data cleaning and data management activities and assist the research team in data analysis as needed using STATA and LaTeX. 
• Managing relationships with stakeholders, and ensuring timely communication of any challenges and observations in dealings with the partners or stakeholders. 

Desired qualifications and experience 

• Education: Degree in economics, public policy, or related fields. Advanced coursework in economics is desirable. 
• Experience: Experience in projects involving data collection and program implementation in the field is strongly preferred, such as a demonstrated management experience in a multi-faceted role working with multiple stakeholders. 
• Management skills: Proven ability to handle several different projects/tasks at one time, successfully complete tasks assigned, meet deadlines, and manage high level partnerships. A willingness to work hard, be self-motivated and learn will be essential for doing well in this position. Ability to work independently in the field and draw insights from talking to people in the field. 
• Software: Stata, LaTeX, Microsoft Excel, SurveyCTO /digital data collection (preferred)
• Communication: This role requires the ability to produce clear, precise, non-technical writing as well as strong social skills to engage with multiple partners.
• Language: Strong communication skills in English and Hindi. 
• Travel: Willingness to travel to different parts of Delhi and peri-urban areas.
• Other: The candidate should be able to give and receive frank feedback, be interested in development and policy research, and excited to do field work. 

Note on work authorizations

Candidates must have work authorization to work in India. 

State date: ASAP and no later than April 1 (part-time), with a transition to full-time by June 1.

Location: Delhi, India (some remote flexibility; presence required during key periods).