Fully-funded Pre-Doctoral Research Fellow Opportunity at the Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy: x2 Positions Available!
Overview of the Pre-Doctoral Research Fellow Opportunity
The Reimagining the Economy Project, led by Professors Gordon Hanson and Dani Rodrik at Harvard Kennedy School, is seeking up to two full-time pre-doctoral research fellows to begin in the summer of 2025.
The fellows will contribute to research focusing on the regional dimensions of inequality, particularly in the United States, and will work on various projects addressing the factors that contribute to regional economic prosperity and resilience. The research also examines the effectiveness of industrial, place-based, and other policies designed to help regions cope with economic shocks.
The project includes in-depth studies on combatting inequality, building resilient economies, and analyzing the local impacts of global phenomena such as the China trade shock and the energy transition. The research also explores the political consequences of localized job loss, making it an excellent opportunity for those interested in these critical areas of social and economic policy.
Mentorship and Opportunities
Fellows will be mentored by Harvard faculty within the supportive research community of the Wiener Center.
This provides an excellent environment for growth, allowing fellows to access a variety of activities at Harvard, including curated seminar series on economics, social policy, and inequality. The Malcolm Wiener Center has a strong track record of helping previous fellows progress to top-tier PhD programs in Economics and Public Policy.
The fellowship is based in Cambridge, MA, at the Harvard Kennedy School. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of a second-year extension depending on the fellow’s progress and the availability of funding.
About the Malcolm Wiener Center
The Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy is an influential academic community at Harvard University focused on tackling pressing public policy challenges through research, teaching, and policy outreach.
The Center is dedicated to areas such as healthcare, human services, criminal justice, labor markets, education, political and economic inequality, and urban development. The Center conducts research that influences policy and practice, educates the next generation of scholars, and ensures that its work is deeply connected to real-world applications.
Responsibilities of the Research Fellows
The pre-doctoral research fellows will support the project through a variety of tasks, including:
- Data Management and Analysis: Fellows will manage and clean large datasets, ensuring they are suitable for rigorous analysis. They will conduct statistical analyses using software like Stata, R, and Python.
- Collaboration with Policymakers: Fellows will work with policy practitioners to identify and document relevant public policy interventions, helping to bridge the gap between academic research and practical policy solutions.
- Research and Writing: Fellows will contribute to preparing literature reviews, conducting background research, creating data visualizations, and drafting content for academic papers, grant proposals, and policy briefs.
- Report Preparation: Fellows will draft reports, research protocols, and other project-related documents.
- Event Organization: Fellows will help organize events and workshops, and write reports on these events, contributing to the dissemination of the project’s findings.
Qualifications
The ideal candidates will possess the following qualifications:
Required:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Urban Development, or another relevant field with substantial quantitative coursework.
- Previous experience as a research assistant or fellow in Economics, Public Policy, or Urban Development.
- Proficiency in programming with Stata.
- A strong academic record and a demonstrated interest in economics and public policy research.
- Excellent command of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
Preferred:
- Graduate-level coursework in Economics and Econometrics.
- Proficiency in programming with R and Python.
- Experience with LaTeX for document preparation.
Application Process
To apply for this opportunity, candidates must submit the following documents via the online application form:
- CV: The CV should list the applicant’s GPA for all completed degrees.
- Cover Letter: The cover letter should detail the applicant’s experience in each stage of the research process and familiarity with statistical and programming software such as STATA, SAS, Python, and R.
- Official or Unofficial Transcripts: Transcripts from all degrees earned.
- Writing Sample: A single-authored academic writing sample (no more than 5 pages).
- Coding Sample: A brief coding sample in Stata.
- References: Contact details for three academic or professional references.
Professor Hanson and Professor Rodrik strongly value diversity and encourage applications from women, people of color, and individuals from groups that have historically been underrepresented in the field of Economics.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and they will not be considered complete until all required materials are received. The final application deadline is May 23, 2025. Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a technical exercise and participate in multiple interviews.
Compensation and Benefits
Predoctoral research fellows will receive a competitive salary, as well as access to Harvard University’s partially subsidized healthcare options, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Additional benefits include life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and eligibility for the university’s tuition assistance program after a certain period of service. Fellows will also have access to a range of academic seminars, networking events, and special forums, which will further enhance their professional development.
This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to be part of impactful research at the intersection of economics and public policy, addressing some of the most critical issues of regional inequality and economic resilience.
