The Tobin Centre for Economic Policy, Yale University is inviting applications for a full-time Research Assistant position, supervised by Professor Lukas Althoff. The position offers deep involvement in research on economic inequality in America, from generating research ideas and conducting literature reviews to collecting and analyzing data. The Research Assistant will support empirical projects using big data and tools from applied microeconomics and economic history to examine how pivotal institutions, policies, and innovations shape economic inequality.
Pre-doctoral fellows work for one to two years as full-time research assistants for one or more faculty mentors and engage in additional education and training activities, including taking for credit or auditing one course per semester, participating in a weekly professional development seminar, and attending department research seminars. All positions are based on-campus, and most fellows work in common workspaces to foster camaraderie and peer learning. The program is strengthened when a diversity of backgrounds, identities, and viewpoints are represented
Roles/Responsibilities
- Analyzing how Jim Crow institutions slowed the economic progress of Black Americans after slavery ended.
- Assessing whether the GI Bill of World War II—a policy credited with creating the American middle class—persistently exacerbated the Black-white gap in wealth.
- Studying the effects of artificial intelligence advancements on inequality in labor markets and the valuation of human capital.
Eligibility
- Strong quantitative background
- Programming experience
- Passion for problem-solving
- Ability to work independently
- Keen interest in pursuing a PhD in economics or a related field
- A background in economics is not required
- Strong technical skills and a desire to explore economics is required.
Requirements
- Coding proficiency is required
- Experience in Stata is valued
- Familiarity with LaTeX, R, Python, and web scraping is also a plus.
Application Details
- Cover letter describing interest in the program and specific faculty projects, dates available, relevant experience (including familiarity with programming languages and prior research experience), and the names, email addresses, and phone numbers for 2-3 references
- Resume/CV
- (Optional) Diversity, equity, inclusion, and identity statement describing how personal background and prior academic, professional, or research experience could contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our program and to the field of economics (up to 250 words)
- Undergraduate transcript (unofficial is fine)
- Graduate transcript (if applicable; unofficial is fine)
- Writing sample (any length is fine)
- Coding sample(s). One sample is sufficient. Applicant may submit more than one sample, especially if applying to multiple positions with different programming language preferences. A link to GitHub repository (or equivalent) is also acceptable.
The complete application should be sent to a single PDF called “LastName_FirstName_Tobin_Predoc_Application” containing the following material in the order listed above.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions have been filled. New positions may continue to be posted, and filled positions will be indicated. Short-listed applicants may be asked to complete a data or technical exercise and may be invited to interview.
Most positions will begin in July to coincide with a multi-day orientation and training, although other start dates may be negotiable. Positions last for one year with an option to renew for a second and final year by mutual agreement by the faculty supervisor(s) and the fellow. Salary will be competitive with similar programs at other institutions, and the position includes standard benefits such as health insurance. The University will sponsor visas for accepted international candidates (unless otherwise indicated in an individual project description).
For more information about the program and the application requirements, please read the Frequently Asked Questions or contact Rebecca Toseland at re**************@ya**.edu .
