Careers

Pre-Doctoral Fellow (Research Associate/Senior Research Associate Equivalent)

Rolling application

: Full-Time position

: Delhi

Reports to

Dr Shagata Mukherjee (Academic Lead, Behavioural Insights Unit of India, NITI Aayog and Deputy Director, Centre for Social and Behaviour Change, Ashoka University).

Experience

Ideal candidates are pre-doctoral candidates with 1-5 years of research experience, but fresh graduates are also welcome to apply.

Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct literature reviews to deepen understanding of prior work and research methodologies, while applying behavioural lens to draw out insights.
  • Lead field data collection and empirical analysis using STATA.
  • Ensure alignment with developed research protocols and conduct regular quality control checks during the data collection phase.
  • Conduct interviews and focus group discussions with target stakeholders, government and non-government organisations representatives.
  • Assist in drafting reports, and academic papers, creating presentations and other products and providing project management support - including preparing materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations, management of stakeholders, and attendance of meetings and seminars.
  • Assist with other relevant tasks as and when required.
Eligibility

This is an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in development economics and behavioural science looking to develop top-level research and data skills. Candidates should be deeply interested in academic research and should have a clear ambition to pursue a PhD or other graduate-level course from a top university in the future. An ideal candidate would be:

  • Recently finished or currently finishing their Bachelor’s/Master's degree OR already enrolled in a PhD program but can work full-time.
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in economics, development economics, behavioural economics, statistics or any other related field.
  • A strong research background. Research work samples are a plus.
  • Experience with data coding and econometric analysis using STATA.
  • Excellent communication and writing skills in English.
  • Willingness to travel, as required, for fieldwork.
Skills Required
  • Prior experience with literature reviews and quantitative research projects.
  • Proficient in managing datasets and conducting econometric analysis on STATA
  • Ability to manage and respond to varied tasks quickly and efficiently with high analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Strong verbal and written communications skills in English- able to manage various stakeholders and develop strong research documents, articles and briefs.
  • An understanding of experimental research methods and the ability to code experiments on Z-tree, O-tree or other software would be an advantage.
  • Fluency in English, along with conversational skills in Hindi, is desirable.
Location and Days of Work

Applicants should be authorised to work in India. The position is based out of New Delhi, and the successful candidate should be willing to relocate to New Delhi. Candidates will need to have their own laptops.

Compensation

Remuneration will be competitive with Indian non-profit pay scales and will depend upon the candidate’s experience levels and the overall organisation’s salary structure.

How to Apply

Please submit your application to at careersatcsbc@ashoka.edu.in and to csbc-niti-biu@ashoka.edu.in , with the subject line – "PreDoc_CSBC NITI BIU_Applicant Name".

Your application must include:

  • The name of the position you are applying for (in the subject line).
  • A one-page cover letter highlighting relevant experience in STATA and an updated CV. Please combine both documents into one PDF attachment.
  • An academic writing sample such as a term paper, dissertation, past research project, etc.
  • If you were referred by or have already spoken to someone at CSBC, kindly mention their name.
  • Kindly ensure that, where applicable, the application includes the last compensation received, expected salary, and earliest joining date.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing Date

Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis. We recommend that you apply early, as applications will be processed as they are received.

We recommend that you apply early, as applications will be processed as they are received, and the position may be filled before the closing date.

We are an equal opportunity organisation and promote diversity. Women, differently-abled persons, and SC/ST/OBC candidates are especially encouraged to apply.