Assistant/Associate Project Scientist - Center for Effective Global Action

University of California-Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Research and Policy for a dynamic initiative focused on poverty economics. This role involves leading innovative research projects, collaborating with international teams, and influencing policy decisions that can significantly improve lives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in development economics, superior communication skills, and experience in low-income countries. This is a unique opportunity to impact global development while maintaining an independent research portfolio. Join a vibrant community committed to making a difference through rigorous research and policy advocacy.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent degree required at time of application.
• Strong technical skills in econometrics and impact evaluation methods.

Responsibilities

• Drive the intellectual agenda for the Psychology and Economics of Poverty Initiative.
• Identify high-value research and fundraising opportunities.

Skills

Econometrics

Impact Evaluation Methods

Statistical Analysis

Written Communication

Verbal Communication

Networking Skills

Education

PhD in Economics

PhD in Public Policy

PhD in Political Science

Tools

STATA

SAS

R

Job description

Position overview
Position title:
Director of Research and Policy, Psychology and Economics of Poverty Initiative

Salary range:
The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position:https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2024-25/july-2024-scales/t37-b.pdf . The current base salary range for this position is $74,100-111,400. "Offscale" salaries, which yield compensation that is higher than the published systemwide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Percent time:
100

Anticipated start:
September 1, 2025

Position duration:
2 years with possibility of extension

Application Window

Open date: April 25, 2025

Next review date: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) is a hub for research, training and innovation headquartered at the University of California, Berkeley. We generate insights that decision-makers can use to improve policies, programs, and people's lives. Our best-in-class academic network includes nearly 200 faculty, 80 scholars from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)-primarily from East and West Africa-and hundreds of graduate students from diverse academic disciplines who produce rigorous evidence about what works to expand education, health, and economic opportunities for people living in poverty. Our business model involves curating policy-relevant research agendas in collaboration with development leaders, overseeing competitive grant-making to answer critical questions, investing in research capacity, and strategically connecting research and ideas to inform decision-making by governments, NGOs, and the private sector.

The Director of Research and Policy is a core member of the leadership team at CEGA's Psychology and Economics of Poverty (PEP) Initiative, reporting to Professor Supreet Kaur. They are responsible for driving the intellectual agenda for the Initiative (and parallel research in India), working closely with Professor Kaur, faculty investigators, and program managers to identify and proactively pursue high-value research, decision-making, policy scale-up, capacity building, and fundraising opportunities. Specifically, and as related to the Center's PEP Initiative/other priority research, the PEP Director of Research and Policy will facilitate the development of new timely and innovative related academic research portfolios; conceive of and design new projects that have the potential to translate into substantive policy impact; bolster CEGA's efforts to build rigorous research and research uptake capacity in LMICs; expand CEGA's policy footprint in the countries and regions where we work; and identify fundraising opportunities and build a fundraising pipeline. This is an exciting opportunity for an active Development Economics researcher and expert who is interested in contributing to the success of a fast-paced and dynamic research initiative. In addition to engaging in cutting-edge research and resource development for the initiative, they are encouraged to maintain an independent research portfolio, regularly present at conferences, and publish blogs, position papers, and journal articles that advance CEGA's mission and vision.

Department: https://cega.berkeley.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD (or equivalent international degree) program

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

PhD or equivalent international degree

Preferred qualifications

• PhD in economics, public policy, political science, or related field;


• Strong technical skills (econometrics, impact evaluation methods, etc.)


• Superior written and verbal communication skills


• Experience conducting empirical research in LMICs including supervising data collection and cleaning activities;


• Experience and competency with statistical software packages such as STATA, SAS, R, and ability to render accurate statistical analysis;


• Experience and demonstrated success with technical grant writing for impact evaluation and/or global development research projects;


• Experience and competency working with decision-makers in multilateral, government, and/or large research institutions;


• Experience living and working in a low-income country;


• Strong networking skills (able to develop and sustain policy partnerships, presents well to stakeholders);


• Ability to work well with policymakers in LMICs (understands needs of end-users).

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  
  

• Cover Letter

  
  

• Statement of Research (Optional)

  
  

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply link:
https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04864

Help contact: [e-mail]

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service. These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.


• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy


• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy


• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

Berkeley, CA