Several faculty affiliated with CEGA seek outstanding predocs (Assistant Specialists) to support empirical analysis and administration for rigorous impact evaluations spanning diverse topics and geographies (see CEGA’s research page for examples).
Position Overview
Several faculty affiliated with CEGA seek outstanding predocs (Assistant Specialists) to support empirical analysis and administration for rigorous impact evaluations spanning diverse topics and geographies (see CEGA’s research page for examples). Predocs work directly with one or more faculty on various studies, in support of a larger CEGA research agenda. They typically perform data cleaning, data analysis and background research such as in depth literature reviews and evidence synthesis for technical and non-technical audiences. Predocs also support research partnership development by cultivating strong relationships with organizations providing research support and data collection services, and may have the opportunity to travel to field sites. Other key responsibilities include: providing research assistance to research projects and papers using empirical approaches; contributing to technical grant proposals, progress reports for current funding sources; and other administrative tasks related to the projects, CEGA, and the Principal Investigator(s) (PI). Predocs may also support additional research and policy efforts relevant to the goals of the PIs and CEGA.
Responsibilities are complex and require at least a college degree or equivalent. Candidates must also be familiar with advanced econometric analysis, as well as with programming using Stata, R, and/or Python. Knowledge of LaTeX and Github is also necessary.
Predoc positions are ideal for graduating seniors or master’s degree students interested in pursuing a PhD in economics or related fields. In addition to working closely with faculty, candidates will have opportunities to participate in UC Berkeley’s vibrant academic life through attending seminars, attending classes, and interacting with students and other CEGA predocs.
Basic qualifications required at time of application
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent international degree or enrolled in a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent international degree program.
Some preferred (but not required) qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent international degree in Economics, Public Policy, Political Science, Business, or related discipline.
- Strong interest in development economics, causal inference in applied microeconometrics, research design, program evaluation, and/or big data/remote sensing.
- 1-2 years experience conducting empirical research including contributing to data collection and cleaning activities.
- 1-2 years experience and competency with statistical software packages such as STATA, R, Python, Julia, and/or Matlab and ability to render accurate statistical analysis; as well as proficiency with LaTeX and Github.
- Familiarity with standard social science data sources, internet tools, and HTML.
- Familiarity working with large-scale datasets, e.g., through cloud or cluster computing.
- Ability to read and analyze published papers in economics, and accurately understand their main results.
- Ability to independently investigate solutions to technical and administrative problems.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific findings into accessible, non-technical language (via publications or professional presentations).
- Experience living and/or working in LMICs.
- Ability to work well with multi-national teams, and communicate effectively with colleagues and faculty.
- Additional language besides English (in particular, French, Hindi, Portuguese or Spanish).
Position Details
Positions are full-time currently funded for one year, with possibility of renewal for an additional one-two years, and based in Berkeley, California. To apply, include your most recently updated Curriculum Vitae (required), your undergraduate transcript (required), and a cover letter (required).
The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. A reasonable estimate for this position is $64,100–$75,700. CEGA typically compensates predocs as follows:
- [Step 1] $64,100: Bachelor’s degree and 0-1 years equivalent professional experience
- [Step 2] $67,400: Bachelor’s degree and 1-2 years equivalent professional experience
- [Step 3] $72,300: Bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years equivalent professional experience or Masters degree and 0-2 years equivalent professional experience
- [Step 4] $75,700: Bachelor’s degree and 4-6 years equivalent professional experience or Masters degree and 2-4 years equivalent professional experience
UC Berkeley faculty (PIs) involved in this recruitment include:
- Tamma Carleton (Agriculture and Resource Economics)
- Paul Gertler and Laura Chioda (Haas School of Business)
- Kelsey Jack (Haas School of Business)
- Manisha Shah (Goldman School of Public Policy)
How to Apply
Online application is required. Please visit https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04564 and search for Job ID JPF04564. Please submit your CV, Cover Letter, Statement of Research, and Statement on Contributions to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The first date of review for this opening is September 2, 2024. There are multiple positions available through this posting and start dates range between October 2024 and January 2025 depending on faculty need. Please address inquiries to the Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA), University of California Berkeley, cega-hr@berkeley.edu
Please note this position is eligible for US visa sponsorship (J-1 Visa)
CEGA values diversity and seeks to include people from under-represented groups on our team, who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education. Read our values statement.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.
