Senior Research Specialist
Princeton University’s Program in Public Finance seeks full-time pre-doctoral senior research specialists. This role offers excellent preparation for Ph.D. programs in economics through hands-on research experience in data processing, statistical modeling, survey design, literature reviews, and presentations. Previous research specialists have been accepted to top Ph.D. programs, including Stanford, Princeton, Harvard, Yale, MIT, Chicago, and UC Berkeley.
About the role
Research Specialists will collaborate with Professors Henrik Kleven, Ilyana Kuziemko, Evan Soltas, and their co-authors on topics such as income and wealth inequality, entrepreneurship, gender equality, regional economic development, political economy, and the analysis of tax subsidies on the housing market and social insurance policies. The work involves empirical analysis, advanced statistical modeling, and potential theoretical work, including coding model simulations.
The position is designed to help individuals prepare for doctoral programs in economics by providing valuable research experience. Research Specialists will engage with Princeton’s academic community through seminars, classes, and interactions with students and fellows in the Department of Economics. Professional development and social activities with research staff across related units are also available.
This is a one-year term position with the potential for a one-year renewal. Candidates able to commit to two years will be strongly considered. The role is based in Princeton, NJ, and requires in-person work. Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. and responsible for their own relocation, if applicable. Start dates range from July 5, 2027, to September 13, 2027.
Responsibilities
- Clean, synthesize, and analyze data.
- Produce empirical analysis and sophisticated statistical models (e.g., machine learning, neural nets, LLMs).
- Prepare results and design figures for reports and presentations.
- Manage and manipulate data using Python, R, MATLAB, and STATA.
- Collaborate with faculty, students, and other research assistants at Princeton and external co-authors.
- Independently manage timelines, deliverables, and research project progression.
- Exercise independent decision-making regarding research methodologies.
Qualifications
Essential
- BA/BS in economics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field (e.g., public policy with significant coursework in economics, mathematics, statistics, or programming).
- Experience with statistical programming in STATA, Python, or R.
- Demonstrated interest in empirical social science, evidenced by independent work (e.g., course paper, undergraduate thesis, or independent research).
- Excellent analytical, empirical, and writing skills.
- Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, adapt to changing priorities, and work both independently and as part of a team.
Preferred
- Proficiency in STATA, R, Python, Julia, and/or MATLAB.
- Familiarity with machine learning methods and algorithmic modeling for large datasets.
- Experience with LaTeX, Unix/Linux.
- Outstanding academic achievement.
- Familiarity with standard economic and financial data sources, internet tools, and HTML.
- Master’s degree (desirable but not required).
Schedule
- Full-time, 36.25 hours per week.
- Overtime not eligible.
- Probationary period: 180 days.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees (see Princeton University benefits for details).