Yale University Opens Applications for Development and Experimental Economics Research Fellow Position 2026 @Unknown

Researchers and aspiring economists seeking hands-on experience in international development, gender studies, and behavioral economics now have an exciting opportunity through Yale University’s Development and Experimental Economics Research Fellow position. Hosted by Inclusion Economics at Yale University, the fellowship offers talented candidates the chance to contribute to high-impact research projects while working closely with leading scholars in the field.

The position will be supervised by Professor Rohini Pande, Henry J. Heinz II Professor of Economics and Director of the Economic Growth Center and Inclusion Economics at Yale University, alongside Dr. Maria Kogelnik, Economics Lecturer and Associate Research Scientist. The fellowship is designed for highly motivated individuals interested in pursuing advanced research careers and doctoral studies in economics.

About the Fellowship

The Development and Experimental Economics Research Fellow position is a pre-doctoral opportunity that places fellows at the forefront of policy-relevant research. The selected candidate will contribute to studies examining critical issues related to economic inclusion, governance, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and behavioral economics.

The fellowship provides exposure to cutting-edge empirical research methods and offers participants the opportunity to collaborate with renowned economists at Yale and partner institutions worldwide.

Initially offered as a one-year appointment, the programme includes a strong possibility of renewal for a second year based on performance and project needs.

Research Areas and Projects

The fellowship supports a diverse portfolio of research projects focused on developing evidence-based solutions to pressing social and economic challenges.

Research under Professor Rohini Pande’s leadership includes topics such as:

• Increasing women’s financial autonomy and labor market outcomes through improvements in national workfare programmes.
• Enhancing community resilience by improving the communication of flood warnings to vulnerable populations.
• Examining how reducing information asymmetries between bureaucrats and politicians affects public service delivery.
• Supporting Nepal’s transition toward a federal governance system.
• Evaluating higher-value payment mechanisms for ecosystem services in high-risk areas.
• Exploring strategies to reduce gender disparities in access to mobile technology, financial services, and economic opportunities.

Under the guidance of Dr. Maria Kogelnik, fellows will also contribute to experimental and behavioral economics studies. These projects investigate gender dynamics and belief formation using innovative research approaches, including:

• Lab-in-the-field experiments.
• Online behavioral studies.
• In-person experimental research.
• Mixed-method approaches to understanding decision-making and economic behavior.

Key Responsibilities

The selected fellow will play an integral role in the research process, supporting projects from data collection and analysis to publication preparation.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Cleaning, organizing, and managing large datasets.
• Conducting statistical analysis using Stata and other quantitative tools.
• Working with survey, experimental, administrative, and monitoring data.
• Preparing literature reviews and background research.
• Assisting in drafting grant proposals and academic manuscripts.
• Developing project reports and presentation materials.
• Supporting the preparation of research protocols and documentation.
• Collaborating with field research teams.
• Participating in weekly research and laboratory meetings.

The role may also involve travel to research sites across South Asia and East Africa, providing fellows with valuable field-based experience.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Yale University is seeking candidates with strong quantitative and analytical capabilities, along with a demonstrated interest in economic development research.

Applicants should possess:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Economics, Data Science, International Development, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Strong programming and data analysis skills using Stata and/or R.
• An excellent academic record.
• A clear interest in pursuing a PhD in Economics.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• A commitment to public policy and economic development research.

Additional desirable qualifications include:

• Previous experience as a research assistant in economics or a related field.
• Interest in development issues affecting India, Nepal, and Kenya.
• Willingness to learn new experimental research methods.
• Readiness to travel to rural and urban research sites in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

About Inclusion Economics at Yale University

Inclusion Economics at Yale University is a policy-focused research initiative housed within the Yale Economic Growth Center and the Yale MacMillan Center. The initiative collaborates with researchers and institutions across multiple countries, including Inclusion Economics India Centre and Inclusion Economics Nepal.

The organization brings together insights from economics, political science, and related disciplines to examine how public policy can foster more inclusive, accountable, and equitable societies.

Its research focuses on several key themes:

• Gender and economic empowerment.
• Labor economics.
• Political economy and governance.
• Environmental economics.
• Inclusive economic growth.

Application Process

Applications for the fellowship are currently being accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Applicants must complete:

• The Tobin Center common application.
• A mandatory screening questionnaire required specifically for this fellowship opportunity.

Only complete applications will be considered during the review process.

An Opportunity to Build a Research Career

The Development and Experimental Economics Research Fellow position offers an exceptional pathway for aspiring economists seeking advanced research experience before doctoral studies. Through direct mentorship from internationally recognized scholars, exposure to rigorous empirical methods, and participation in policy-relevant research projects, fellows will gain valuable skills that can shape future academic and professional careers.

For individuals passionate about economic development, gender equality, governance, and behavioral economics, this fellowship represents a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful global research while building expertise within one of the world’s leading academic institutions.

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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.

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