Associate Fellow/Fellow, Centre for Economic Growth (CEG)

NCAER; Delhi; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) invites applications for an Associate Fellow/Fellow in its Centre for Economic Growth (CEG). The role offers opportunities to lead research on six interconnected themes and to influence policy through high-quality outputs and engagement with government and partners.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD in economics or related field with several years of applied research experience, strong writing, and project management skills.

Qualifications

• PhD in Economics or closely related field (preferred).
• Typically 3–8 years of relevant post-qualification experience in applied economic research or policy analysis.
• Strong empirical and analytical skills with data handling capabilities.
• Clear writing skills for technical and policy audiences.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating in a team.
• Strong project and time-management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead or co-lead research projects across CEG’s core themes.
• Contribute to diagnostics, sectoral studies, policy notes, and grant-funded research with senior colleagues and partners.
• Manage day-to-day execution of projects: planning, data coordination, QC, communications.
• Produce working papers, journal articles, policy reports, and other outputs.
• Prepare policy briefs, presentations, blogs, and dissemination materials for policy and academic audiences.
• Support engagement with government, partner organisations, and academics through meetings and consultations.
• Contribute to proposal development and expand the Centre’s research portfolio.
• Guide and review the work of Research Associates on assigned projects.

Skills

Empirical analysis

Policy analysis

Writing skills

Independent work

Project management

Time management

Education

PhD in Economics or closely related field

Master's degree with substantial relevant experience

Job description

About The Position

The National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) invites applications for an Associate Fellow/ Fellow in its Centre for Economic Growth (CEG). The selected candidate will contribute to the Centre’s research agenda, which spans six interconnected themes: the investment climate and firm dynamics; jobs, labour markets, and skills; trade, industrial policy, and global competitiveness; innovation and enterprise upgrading; city-regions and transformational urban development; and state capacity for public financial management and economic reforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead or co-lead research projects on one or more of CEG’s core research themes.
• Contribute to state growth diagnostics, sectoral and thematic studies, policy notes, and grant-funded research, working closely with senior colleagues and external partners.
• Manage the day-to-day execution of selected projects, including work planning, data coordination, quality control, and communication with internal and external collaborators.
• Produce high-quality research outputs, including working papers, journal articles, policy reports, and other publications, independently and as part of collaborative teams.
• Prepare policy briefs, presentations, blogs, and other dissemination materials that communicate the Centre’s research to policy, academic, and wider audiences.
• Support engagement with government counterparts, partner organisations, and academic collaborators through meetings, workshops, and consultations.
• Contribute to proposal development and help expand the Centre’s research portfolio.
• Guide and review the work of Research Associates on assigned projects.

Qualifications, Experience And Skills

• PhD in Economics or a closely related field preferred. Exceptionally strong candidates with a master’s degree and substantial relevant experience may also be considered.
• Typically 3 to 8 years of relevant post-qualification experience in applied economic research, policy analysis, or consulting with expertise in at least one domain central to the CEG agenda.
• Strong empirical and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to work with data and tackle complex policy questions.
• Clear and effective writing skills, with the ability to produce outputs for both technical and policy audiences.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively in a collaborative research environment.
• Strong project management and time-management skills.

Desirable attributes

• Familiarity with large survey or administrative datasets, quasi-experimental methods, or policy modelling would be highly valuable.
• Experience working on Indian state-level policy issues would be an advantage.

Last Date: September 15, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

Duration of Appointment: Initially for three years, with a provision for renewal.

Compensation: A salary that is commensurate with market and experience of the selected candidate.

About NCAER

NCAER is India’s oldest and largest national, non-profit, independent economic research institute. Since 1956, NCAER has contributed high-quality research to shape policy decisions in India. It is among the few think tanks globally that have strong field data collection capabilities for national surveys; and its research covers a spectrum of policy-focused applied research in economics, from macroeconomics to poverty and infrastructure.

NCAER offers a vibrant, dynamic academic environment with both world-class faculty and physical infrastructure. If you're stuck with a writer's block, a stroll around our campus might be the antidote. If you want to unwind, there will always be someone willing to play a game of table tennis or badminton.

Join a visionary team that values research excellence, collaboration, and professional growth. NCAER offers a stimulating work environment where your research ideas can make a real difference.

NCAER is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.