Junior Research Scientist

Interfolio, Inc; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

New York University’s Africa House invites applications for a Junior Research Scientist to support research led by the Director, Professor Yaw Nyarko, on Africa's economic development, AI adoption, and commodities markets. The role emphasizes rigorous quantitative work and scholarly writing.

Responsibilities include data assembly in Excel/Stata/Matlab, conducting analyses, preparing reports and working papers, and contributing to a multi-year blockchain and AI research program with international

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or related field.
• Strong analytical skills with large datasets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently in a global, diverse team.

Responsibilities

• Help conduct quantitative research on African commodities markets, AI and blockchain.
• Assemble, graph, and analyze data using Excel, Stata, or Matlab.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research and present findings.
• Prepare research reports for concept notes, academic papers, and presentations.
• Clean and manage large datasets for field research in Ghana, West Africa.
• Conduct statistical analyses of data using Stata or Matlab.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Written & verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Organization

Education

Master’s degree in Economics/Math/Statistics

Tools

Stata

Matlab

Excel

R

Job description

New York University: NYU - NY: Office of the Provost: NYU Africa House

Location

New York, NY

Open Date

Sep 24, 2026

Deadline

Nov 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description

Africa House is seeking to hire a Junior Research Scientist to support the research of the Director, Professor Yaw Nyarko. Professor Nyarko's primary research interests include African economic development, artificial intelligence and technological adoption, and commodities markets. Primary duties will consist of conducting high-quality research suitable for publication in academic journals. Additional duties include providing broad support for ongoing projects, including: a multi-year study on the potential for blockchain to address market failures in rural credit markets; an international research consortium focused on scaling evidence-based technological innovations for agricultural systems, including livestock, using AI, digital advisory services, and weather forecasting to support smallholder farmers; a set of working papers focused on the economics and mathematics of large-language models; and research on various dimensions of the United Arab Emirates' economic history and structure. Our ideal candidate is a committed, responsible, highly motivated individual with a proven ability to work independently and effectively in a professional environment. We are looking for a problem-solver and a strategic, creative thinker with strong writing skills to be part of our interdisciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

Help conduct quantitative research on African commodities markets, AI and blockchain, and technological interventions for economic development

Assemble, graph, and analyze data using Excel, Stata, or Matlab

Manipulate economic data and/or create new variables using Excel, Stata, or Matlab

Conduct quantitative and qualitative research

Present information in clear, concise reports

Clean and manage large datasets for field research project in Ghana, West Africa

Conduct statistical analyses of data using Stata or Matlab (advanced knowledge required)

Assist with data management for a research project on commodities markets, AI, and blockchain

Prepare research reports for concept notes, academic papers, and presentations

Qualifications

The ideal candidate exhibits the characteristics below and demonstrates a desire to be an important contributor to a collegial team.

Required:

Master’s degree with concentration and course work in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics or a related field

Strong analytical capability, including experience analyzing large data sets in Excel, Stata, Matlab, R, or similar software

Exceptional academic record

Excellent attention to detail

Strong interest in economic development in emerging markets

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Willingness to work as part of a global, diverse, multicultural team

Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills

Ability to solve problems and interact with individuals at all levels

Ability to work and communicate with diverse stakeholders

Ability to complete detail-oriented tasks with accuracy and timeliness and perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment

Willingness to take on assignments or tasks within short notice

Previous work experience (2-3 years) in an office environment

Preferred :

Experience with analysis of complex survey data is highly desirable

Knowledge of randomized control trials

Prior field research or research assistant experience in the fields of development economics a plus

In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the compensation for this position is $70,000-80,000 USD. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

This is a one-year fixed term position.

NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. All interested persons are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

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