Remote Economics Research Assistant - AI Matching & Policy

Povertyactionlab; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 57,308,000 - 63,039,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is seeking a Research Assistant to support randomized evaluations under Professor Anant Nyshadham and collaborating researchers. The RA will contribute to two U.S.-based projects on AI-assisted job matching and cash incentives for unsheltered populations.

This full-time, remote (U.S.) role offers hands-on training in empirical research, study design, data collection, fieldwork, and policy brief preparation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Economics, Statistics, Public Policy, Development Studies, or related field.
• Experience with data analysis using Stata or R.
• Experience conducting fieldwork and surveys.
• Proficient with MS Word and Excel.
• Familiarity with data science concepts and AI coding platforms.

Responsibilities

• Support study design through scoping exercises, qualitative surveys, and literature reviews.
• Design and pilot survey instruments; monitor data quality and resolve issues promptly.
• Expand simulated task assessments for AI-assisted job matching project using prior task repository.
• Conduct fieldwork and travel to project sites occasionally.
• Liaise with implementation partners to align timelines and troubleshoot.
• Coordinate with administrative and finance teams on participant payments and study costs.
• Identify threats to research design and propose solutions to researchers as needed.
• Ensure adherence to research and data protocols, including IRB approval, coding standards, and analysis procedures.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation — codebooks, field protocols, and project logs.

Skills

Stata

R

Fieldwork

Survey design

AI platforms

Travel

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Economics/Statistics/Public Policy/Development Studies

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Job description

University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is seeking a Research Assistant to support randomized evaluations under Professor Anant Nyshadham and collaborating researchers. The RA will contribute to two U.S.-based projects on AI-assisted job matching and cash incentives for unsheltered populations.

This full-time, remote (U.S.) role offers hands-on training in empirical research, study design, data collection, fieldwork, and policy brief preparation.