Research Scientist - Yale Inclusion Economics

Overview:

Inclusion Economics at Yale University (YIE), a collaboration between Yale's Economic Growth Center (EGC) and the Yale Macmillan Center, is a policy-engaged social science research initiative that conducts cutting-edge research to understand how policy can promote inclusive economies and societies in low- and middle-income countries. This research portfolio, led by Rohini Pande, Henry J. Heinz II Professor of Economics and Director of the EGC, spans applied economic research collaborations with public- and private-sector actors in India, Nepal, Kenya, and beyond – testing levers to advance women’s social and economic wellbeing, facilitate more inclusive governance structures, establish and improve market-based solutions that serve the LMIC context, and more.

In Kenya, YIE has a growing portfolio of large-scale experimental and quasi-experimental research engagements working with both public- and private-sector counterparts on themes ranging from financial and digital inclusion to early childhood development. YIE is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to expand the team’s regional research leadership and analytical capacity on a growing portfolio of applied economic research in East Africa. The position will work closely with YIE leadership on a portfolio focused on evaluating and advancing interventions that promote women’s economic empowerment, digital inclusion, and meaningful financial access in the region. The position may also support the development of YIE-EGC research-policy priorities for YIE and EGC in the region, like projects related to development of credible compliance carbon markets or inputs into the scale-up of an early childhood development program.

This role is designed for candidates with strong training in applied microeconomics and econometrics who are interested in working at the intersection of rigorous research and policy engagement and contributing to the intellectual leadership of cutting-edge research projects. The Postdoctoral Research Scientist will contribute across all stages of the research lifecycle, with a particular emphasis on partnership and study development, analytical leadership, research design, and translating evidence into policy-relevant insights.

The position is based in Kenya and will be embedded within YIE’s country portfolio, working closely with Kenya- and internationally-based research staff, field teams, and external partners under the guidance of YIE’s Lead, Africa.

Role Overview:

The Postdoctoral Research Scientist will form a core part of the research leadership team on YIE’s work in Kenya, advancing research projects from design through dissemination. This role is an opportunity to contribute to the design and intellectual leadership of cutting edge applied economic research – forming part of the core research team while contributing technical oversight, project management, and structured policy engagement. The role also serves as a bridge between junior research staff and senior research and policy leadership.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities for this position include:

• Developing and implementing empirical research, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and other quantitative methods, contributing to study design and overall study leadership.
• Overseeing data analysis and ensuring rigor, reproducibility, and high-quality outputs across projects.
• Cleaning, managing, and analyzing large datasets (survey, administrative, and monitoring data) using Stata, R, or similar tools.
• Providing technical guidance and mentorship to Research Associates and supporting quality control of their analytical work.
• Preparing literature reviews, background research, and draft content for academic papers, policy briefs, and grant proposals.
• Drafting project reports, slide decks, research protocols, and other project documents.
• Coordinating with field research teams and implementing partners, including travel to study sites across Kenya.
• Supporting the translation of research findings into policy-relevant insights and practitioner-facing outputs.
• Engaging with stakeholders through workshops, dissemination events, and meetings with government, partner organizations, and other stakeholders – building and supporting partnerships with guidance from the YIE-EGC leadership team.
• Contributing to internal learning, coordination, and knowledge-sharing across the Kenya portfolio, including development and documentation of research best practices.

Requisite Skills and Qualifications:

• PhD in Economics, Public Policy, or a closely related field with strong quantitative training.
• Strong background in applied microeconomics and econometrics.
• Experience working on impact evaluations, particularly randomized controlled trials (preferred).
• Proficiency in statistical programming (Stata and/or R required; Python a plus).
• Experience working with large and complex datasets.
• Strong academic writing and communication skills.
• Demonstrated interest in economic development and public policy.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to travel to research sites, including in rural areas.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in Kenya or Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Existing right to work in Kenya.
• Prior experience supervising or mentoring junior research staff.
• Experience engaging with policy stakeholders or translating research for non-academic audiences.
• Familiarity with research topics related to gender, digital inclusion, financial inclusion, or labor markets.

Position Details:

• Location: Nairobi, Kenya.
• Duration: 1 year, with possibility of renewal based on performance and project needs.