Research Associate – Economic Analysis

Research Associate – Economic analysis [Short term position]

Position details

The Indian School of Business (ISB) is looking for candidates interested in carrying out research in labour economics. The selected candidate will primarily work on a project related to analysis of female participation in Indian labour markets using a combination of econometrics and machine learning methods. You should have good economics training, strong analytical and quantitative capabilities including an ability to work with large national sample surveys like the NSSO. Demonstratable ability in machine learning will be a big plus. We will also consider exceptional candidates with a background in computer science or engineering who wish to pursue Economics.

If you fit the above criteria then we invite you to apply to this position. Past research associates (RA) at ISB have gone on to PhD positions in the top economics or management departments or technical roles in the corporate world. You will work with Dr Nishant Chadha (Director, Policy Research) on this research. This is a short term [six month] position with a possible extension depending on performance.

Your primary tasks will be to

• Help formulate and refine research questions grounded in economic theory [especially labour economics]
• Conduct literature reviews, especially in labour economics, computer science (digital transformation of markets), and impact of technology on work
• Work with structured data derived from textual sources to:
• Analyze geographic and temporal trends
• Interpret and display data innovatively
• Assist with descriptive and econometric analysis
• Contribute to writing research memos, technical notes, and early-stage drafts of academic papers.
• Collaborate with the team to ensure that ML outputs align with economic interpretation needs.

The position is best suited for a candidate with an interest in pursuing a PhD in economics or management within the next few years.

Required Qualifications and Skills

Master’s degree in Economics or related discipline from a top-tier institute

or

Four-year degree in Economics or related discplines from a top-tier institute

[We will consider exceptional candidates in computer science or engineering as well]

Demonstrable quantitative ability and (verbal and written) communication skills are essential. The ability to credibly signal an interest in the project area will be an added advantage. The following skills are important

• Database management: Linking different datasets, ensuring data quality, processing raw data into processed datasets for modelling and estimation.
• Synthesis: Literature search and review, summary, presentation, and analytical writing
• Quantitative modelling: Econometric analysis for exploratory data analysis and causal estimation, including visualisation and reporting. Prior knowledge of python and familiarity with programming will be a huge plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

In addition to this high standards in terms of quality of work, attention to detail, ability to multi-task and commitment to task completion are required for the job. The willingness to read and learn from new research material is also critical.

Benefits

ISB is a research focused business school. It offers a variety of opportunities to understand the current management phenomena in depth, through research seminars, workshops, and PhD-level courses. It provides several options to hone a person’s analytical skills. The hands-on research experience is helpful as the candidate starts his/her own research in the field.

The position offers a competitive salary along with other benefits (CTC).

Location: Remote

Vacancy: 1

If interested, please email your CV to nishant_chadha@isb.edu clearly indicating your CGPA or percentage score, undergraduate and graduate level transcripts. Please mention “Research Associate Economics” in the subject line.