Pre-Doctoral Fellow: Behavioral-Economic Theory

Harvard University; Cambridge, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University in Cambridge, MA invites applicants for a full-time Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Behavioral-Economic Theory. The role focuses on theory-oriented research under Professor Rabin, with opportunities for seminars and collaboration within the Harvard economics community.

Ideal candidates will have a strong proof-based microeconomic theory background, mathematical proficiency, and interest in pursuing a PhD in Economics. Start date is as early as January 2027.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree by start date is required.
• Strong background in proof-based microeconomic theory, mathematics, probability, and statistics.
• Proficiency with LATEX / Overleaf by appointment start; familiarity with R, Python or MATLAB is a plus.
• Background in experimental design, behavioral economics or psychology is a plus but not a replacement for theory.
• Interest in pursuing a PhD in Economics or related fields is required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze psychologically-founded theoretical models in collaboration with Professor Rabin and team.
• Develop pedagogical materials and tools to apply these models.
• Assist with research papers on behavioral economic theory.
• Conduct literature reviews on theory and evidence related to behavioral economics.
• Assess existing empirical evidence regarding behavioral theories.

Skills

Proof-based microeconomic theory

Mathematics

Probability

Statistics

LATEX / Overleaf

R

Python

MATLAB

Behavioral economics background

PhD pursuit in Economics

Education

Bachelor’s degree by start date

Tools

R

Python

MATLAB

LATEX / Overleaf

Job description

Harvard University in Cambridge, MA invites applicants for a full-time Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Behavioral-Economic Theory. The role focuses on theory-oriented research under Professor Rabin, with opportunities for seminars and collaboration within the Harvard economics community.

Ideal candidates will have a strong proof-based microeconomic theory background, mathematical proficiency, and interest in pursuing a PhD in Economics. Start date is as early as January 2027.