Full Time Research Assistant

Professor Ernest Liu is seeking a full-time research assistant. The position will involve close collaboration on new and ongoing projects in growth and trade, with a particular focus on developing new empirical methods for analyzing production and trade networks.  The research assistant will be based at the National Bureau of Economic Research starting 7/1/2025.

The ideal candidate should be completing (or have completed) a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a quantitative field (economics, math, physics, statistics, or computer science) and will have: (i) a strong quantitative background, (ii) strong programing skills, (iii) long-term interest in pursuing research in economics, (iv) an excellent academic record, and (v) prior experience with research, including independent work (such as an undergrad or master’s thesis) or work as a research assistant. Some background in economics and econometrics is recommended but is not required. Candidates with strong technical backgrounds especially in statistics and machine learning are encouraged to apply.  

The research assistant will be involved in all stages of research. Responsibilities will include―but are not limited to―coding machine learning tools and applying them to network data, cleaning and managing large datasets, conducting statistical analyses, assisting with literature reviews and gathering background information, generating content for grant proposals and academic papers, and assisting with the preparation of manuscripts for publication. This position is ideal for a candidate looking to develop empirical research skills in preparation for applying to PhD programs in economics.  The research assistant will interact frequently with Professor Liu, his collaborators, and other research assistants.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in economics, math, physics, statistics, or computer science.

The selected candidate will be offered a one-year appointment will the ability to renew for one year based on performance.  Strong preference will be given to applicants who have the potential to work for two years.

TO APPLY: Please submit a single pdf document containing the following materials into the application below:

A cover letter describing:

1. Your interest in the position
2. The start and end dates for which you would be able to fill this position
3. Your familiarity with programing languages (e.g., Stata, SAS, R, Matlab, Python)
4. Your prior experience as a research assistant and/or with independent research projects (e.g., an undergraduate or master’s thesis)
5. Names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of 2-3 references. Please indicate which references you have worked for as a research assistant or who has supervised an independent research project. (letters are not required)

1. A current CV, including:
   1. All relevant information on undergraduate and graduate degrees completed or will be completed before start date including: institution, degree, field of study, and GPA
2. All relevant undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial is fine)
3. An original research paper or writing sample (if available)

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Short-listed applicants will be required to complete a technical exercise and may be called for an interview.

The NBER is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.
The NBER will make reasonable accommodation for any disabled applicant, and will provide assistance to disabled applicants as needed during the application process.