*REVISED* Associate Professional Specialist for Princeton Industrial Relations Section-Dobbie Team

Princeton University; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 72,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton University is seeking an Associate Professional Specialist to contribute to Professor Will Dobbie’s research in the Industrial Relations Section. The role involves creating and managing administrative datasets, building ML models, and performing econometric analyses using Stata and R.

The position is primarily on-campus in Princeton, NJ for a one-year term with potential renewal. Collaboration with engineers and contractors, IRB compliance, and dissemination of findings are key duties.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in Economics, applied math, CS, statistics, or related field.
• Prior research experience in economics or related domains.
• Strong coding and quantitative analysis skills.
• Experience with real-world administrative data sets and education data is a plus.
• Experience with or exposure to large language models in research context is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Construct and manage administrative datasets in high-stakes settings (criminal justice, child protective services).
• Build advanced machine learning models using structured and unstructured data.
• Maintain a multi-module codebase and data models (e.g., Pydantic).
• Perform econometric tasks in Stata or R with rigorous controls and fixed effects.
• Coordinate and supervise work by contractors and engineers.
• Prepare detailed reports, policy briefs, and publication materials.
• Submit applications for IRB review and ensure compliance.

Skills

Data management

Written and oral communication

Italian language

Machine learning basics

Real-world datasets experience

Education

Master's degree in Economics / related field

Equivalent combination of training/experience

Tools

Stata

R

Python

MATLAB

SAS

LaTeX

Job description

***REVISED*** Associate Professional Specialist for Princeton Industrial Relations Section-Dobbie TeamLocation: Princeton, NJSalary Range or Pay Grade: $72,000 - $77,000 Description

The Industrial Relations Section (IRS) and the Department of Economics seek a highly motivated and experienced specialist to contribute to the research of Professor Will Dobbie during the 2027-2028 academic year. Dobbie’s research interests focus on causes and consequences of poverty to understand how we can give individuals from all backgrounds a better chance of success. His recent work has examined racial discrimination in the criminal justice system, the changing nature of economic mobility, and how to build more human-centered AI. Appointment will be at the rank of Associate Professional Specialist.

Responsibilities include: Constructing and managing administrative datasets in a variety of high-stakes settings, including criminal justice and child protective servicesBuilding advanced machine learning models using both structured and unstructured data to explore human-AI complementaritiesMaintaining a multi-module codebase; working with Pydantic or similar data models Conducting applied econometrics tasks in Stata or R, such as randomization and balance checks, regressions with extensive controls and fixed effects, and generating publication-ready tables and figures. Managing and providing quality control of project work completed by third-party contractors, including software engineersProducing detailed reports, prepare policy briefs and presentations, and assist with drafting materials for publicationCoordinate and submit applications for review by Princeton’s Institutional Review Board

The work location for this position is primarily in-person on campus at Princeton University with occasional research trips to Italy. This position is subject to the University's background check policy. This is a one-year term position with the potential for renewal for a second term. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of an H-1B visa requiring consular processing; other visa sponsorships (including H-1B visas not requiring consular processing) may be available, as appropriate.

Qualifications

Masters degree in Economics, applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, or related discipline, or equivalent combination of training, experience, and accomplishmentsPrior research experience in the fields of EconomicsExperience working with real-world data sets, including education or school administrative dataGraduate-level coding/algorithm skills and proficiency in statistical programming, especially Stata, R, Python, MATLAB, SAS, LaTeXProficiency in quantitative text analysis methodsProficiency in, or experience with, large language models in a research context: prompt design, structured output, and evaluating model outputStrong written and oral communication skillsExcellent organizational and time management skillsProficiency in Italian and knowledge of Italian school system and institutions is a plus

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.The University also offers a comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.PI287731742