A new opportunity has been announced for aspiring economists seeking advanced research experience before pursuing doctoral studies. Applications are now open for a Research Associate – Applied Economics position, offering candidates the chance to work closely with leading academic researchers while strengthening their research portfolio and preparing for competitive PhD programs in Economics.

The part-time position is scheduled to begin in September 2025 and will support ongoing research led by Professor Arianna Ornaghi in the fields of media economics and political economy. The role forms part of the research project “Policy Preferences and Identities”, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) through the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) Transregio 190.

The application deadline for full consideration is 28 June 2026.

Opportunity for Future Economics Researchers

The Research Associate position is specifically designed for individuals who have completed their pre-doctoral education and are interested in pursuing a highly competitive PhD in Economics. The role offers valuable hands-on research experience while allowing sufficient time for candidates to advance their own academic interests and doctoral applications.

Working approximately 30 hours per week, the selected candidate will engage in cutting-edge research while receiving mentorship and professional development support aimed at fostering a successful academic career.

In addition to research responsibilities, associates will be encouraged to participate in seminars and discussions focused on applied microeconomics and political economy, providing exposure to current developments and methodologies within the discipline.

Research Focus Areas

The successful candidate will contribute to research projects examining key questions in:

Media Economics
Political Economy
Public Policy Preferences
Identity and Political Behavior
Applied Microeconomics

The position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate on research with real-world policy relevance while developing advanced analytical and quantitative research skills.

Key Responsibilities

The Research Associate will play an important role in supporting ongoing research activities through a variety of tasks.

Responsibilities include:

Literature Reviews

Conducting comprehensive reviews of academic literature
Summarizing key findings and identifying research gaps
Supporting the development of theoretical frameworks

Research Reporting

Drafting research reports and project summaries
Assisting with academic publications and presentations
Preparing documentation for research dissemination

Data Management and Analysis

Cleaning and organizing large datasets
Conducting statistical analysis
Supporting empirical research projects

Text Analysis

Implementing text-based analytical methods
Extracting and interpreting information from textual datasets
Assisting with computational research techniques

Data Collection

Identifying relevant datasets for research projects
Acquiring and managing research data sources
Ensuring data quality and accessibility

Team Collaboration

Working closely with faculty members and researchers
Contributing to collaborative research activities
Participating in academic discussions and project meetings

Candidate Requirements

The position is open to highly motivated candidates with strong quantitative and analytical skills.

Applicants are expected to have completed, or be on track to complete before the appointment start date, a Master’s degree in one of the following fields:

Economics
Statistics
Computer Science
Data Science
Mathematics
Related quantitative disciplines

Essential Skills

Candidates should possess:

Strong analytical and research capabilities
Experience using statistical software packages
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Excellent written communication skills
Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities

Applicants should demonstrate proficiency in at least one of the following statistical software programs:

Stata
R
Other equivalent statistical software

Additional Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, the following qualifications will be considered advantageous:

Experience with Python programming
Knowledge of econometric methods
Familiarity with quantitative social science research
Experience handling large datasets
Interest in political economy and public policy research

Professional Development Benefits

The position offers significant advantages for candidates preparing for doctoral studies and long-term academic careers.

Research Associates will benefit from:

Direct mentorship from Professor Arianna Ornaghi
Exposure to high-level academic research projects
Opportunities to attend research seminars
Guidance on PhD applications and academic career planning
Enhanced research and data analysis expertise
Collaboration within an international research environment

The role is particularly valuable for candidates seeking to strengthen their academic credentials before applying to leading PhD programs in Economics.

Employment Benefits

In addition to professional development opportunities, the position includes a range of employee benefits designed to support work-life balance and flexibility.

Benefits include:

30 days of paid annual leave
Up to 20 days of workation opportunities
Flexible working hours
Mobile and remote working possibilities
Commuter ticket support
Excellent transport connections
International and diverse working environment

Application Requirements

Interested candidates must submit a complete application package containing the following documents:

Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages)
Cover Letter (maximum one page)
Writing Sample (Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis)
Unofficial Academic Transcripts
Reference Letter from a Faculty Member
Unofficial GRE Scores (if available)
Unofficial TOEFL or IELTS Results (if available)

The cover letter should clearly explain:

Motivation for pursuing a PhD in Economics
Interest in the Research Associate position
Earliest available starting date

Application Deadline

Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline of 28 June 2026 to receive full consideration.

Additional information regarding the position can be obtained by contacting Professor Arianna Ornaghi, Assistant Professor of Economics.

Final Thoughts

The Research Associate – Applied Economics position presents an outstanding opportunity for talented graduates seeking advanced research experience before embarking on doctoral studies. Through direct involvement in impactful research projects, close academic mentorship, and exposure to leading scholars in applied economics and political economy, successful candidates will gain valuable skills and experience that can significantly strengthen their prospects for admission to top PhD programs worldwide.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

Research Associate in Applied Economics Position Opens for Aspiring PhD Candidates – Apply By 28 June 2026 @Unknown