Senior Research Associate/Research Associate - Ramlabs -J-PAL Global

Ramlabs Sierra Leone , in collaboration with the University of Chicago and Duke University, is seeking to hire a Senior Research Associate (SRA) or Research Associate (RA). The candidate will report directly to the PI team and will work closely with other Freetown-based staff.

Summary of the Organization 

Research and Adaptive Monitoring Labs (Ramlabs) is a research and advisory institution established in 2020 by researchers with extensive knowledge and experience across various sectors in West Africa. The firm uses cutting-edge research techniques and sound scientific expertise to design and implement high-quality research, including social experiments to inform programmatic and policy decisions, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) systems to track project outputs and outcomes, and program quality improvement strategies.

Summary of the Role

Informal medicine markets are widespread across many low-income countries (LICs), yet there is limited quantitative evidence on their effects on consumer behavior and societal welfare. This study examines how consumers in an urban setting engage with informal and formal medicine markets, using a mix of survey data collection, field observation, and experimental methods to understand demand patterns and health-seeking behavior. Findings will inform policy on informal medicine markets in Sierra Leone, with insights applicable to other LICs.

The project is led by a team of Principal Investigators: Anne Karing, Aaron Leonard, and Sofia Gallo (University of Chicago), Michael Dinerstein (Duke University), and Fatu Conteh (Ramlabs).

The SRA/RA's responsibilities will primarily involve supporting the launch and implementation of two main experiments, including enumerator training, recruitment implementation in an urban setting, and phone survey data collection. The role also involves monitoring data quality, conducting high-frequency checks, and statistical analysis. The SRA/RA will report directly to the PIs, working closely with them and regularly presenting to them.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about development economics and enjoy working both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. This role is well-suited for candidates interested in pursuing a PhD in economics or a related field, or a career in public policy.

The length of the commitment is 9 months, with possibility of extension. 

Responsibilities

• Ensure the quality of implementation of the research project in the field, including supporting enumerator training, documenting data collection protocols, and planning research activities; 
• Design and run high-frequency checks (HFCs) to ensure data quality;
• Design, test, and refine study instruments. Program survey instruments using Survey CTO;
• Assist in recruiting, training, and supervising field-based teams, including field supervisors and enumerators, and coordinate with other research associates;
• Communicate extensively with the PI team on the progress of activities and any issues encountered;
• Solve complex problems related to project administration, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to project needs, and contributing to methodology;
• Conduct data analysis;
• Support the creation of policy reports and presentations for partners;
• Assist in the creation of technical reports for donors and other stakeholders;
• Perform other related work as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in economics, public policy, or a related field;
• Coursework in economics, econometrics, or statistics, and development economics;
• At least one year of relevant research experience, with proven analytical and quantitative skills; Experience working in a low- or middle-income country (preferred);
• Proficiency in a statistical analysis package such as Stata (preferred), Python, Matlab, and/or R;
• Proficiency in SurveyCTO;
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with high attention to detail;
• Strong analytical skills; Mature, self-directed individual able to balance multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment;
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to work effectively with global teams across cultures, work styles, and time zones;
• Comfortable working in urban settings and traveling on public transportation.