Senior Research Specialist

Princeton University; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton University is seeking several full-time pre-doctoral senior research specialists to advance empirical economics research. The role emphasizes data processing, analysis, survey design, and simulation, serving as rigorous preparation for Ph.D. programs.

You will work with prominent faculty on topics such as income inequality, regional development, and tax policy, gain hands-on modeling experience, and present findings in seminars and reports to support ongoing research projects.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in economics, mathematics, or computer science or related field with strong coursework in economics, math, stats, and programming.
• Experience with statistical programming in STATA, Python, or R.
• Demonstrated interest in empirical social science.
• Excellent analytical, empirical, and writing skills demonstrated through independent work.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and in teams; proactive and goal-focused.

Responsibilities

• Clean, synthesize, and analyze data; build empirical analyses and advanced statistical models.
• Prepare results and design figures for reports and presentations.
• Manage data using Python, R, MATLAB, and STATA as requested.
• Collaborate with faculty, students, and external co-authors.
• Independently manage timelines and deliverables for research projects.

Skills

Quantitative background

Coding experience

Independent researcher

Academic writing

Education

BA/BS in economics, mathematics, or computer science

Tools

STATA

Python

R

Job description

The Princeton Program in Public Finance is looking to hire several full-time pre-doctoral senior research specialists. The position involves responsibilities that serve as excellent preparation for Ph.D. programs in economics, including data processing and analysis, survey design, simulation techniques, literature reviews, and presentations. Previous research specialists have been accepted to top Ph.D. programs, including Stanford, Princeton, Harvard, Yale, MIT, Chicago, and UC Berkeley.

Research Specialists will work with Professors Henrik Kleven, Ilyana Kuziemko and Evan Soltas along with their co-authors, on topics such as income and wealth inequality, entrepreneurship, gender equality, regional economic development, political economy, and the analysis of tax subsidies on the housing market and social insurance policies.

The position involves empirical analysis, including more sophisticated statistical modeling, and could also involve theoretical work such as coding of model simulations. The ideal candidate will: (i) have a strong quantitative background; (ii) have significant experience with coding and computing; (iii) be able to work independently to solve problems; and (iv) have a long-term interest in economics research. The position is structured to help individuals prepare for doctoral programs in economics by gaining valuable research experience.

In addition to working closely with faculty, senior research specialists have opportunities to participate in the vibrant academic life of Princeton University through attending seminars, attending classes, and interacting with students and fellows in the Department of Economics. Research Specialists also engage in professional development and social activities with research staff members in other Economics units and related units in the School for Public and International Affairs.

All interested applicants who will have earned a college degree by the spring of 2027 are encouraged to apply. We seek candidates who can start around July 5, 2027, but the start date can be as late as September 13, 2027.

This is a one-year term position with the potential for one additional year renewal. Candidates that are eligible to commit to two years will be strongly considered. The position is based in Princeton, NJ, and will be an in-person role. The candidate must be eligible to work in the US; relocation would be the responsibility of the candidate (if applicable). Princeton is a limited E-Verify employer. This position is not currently eligible for STEM OPT extension; OPT is acceptable for one year only.

Responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Clean, synthesize, and analyze data. Produce empirical analysis and more sophisticated statistical models (i.e., machine learning, neural nets, LLMs).
• Prepare results and design figures for reports and presentations.
• Manage and manipulate data using requested languages, including Python, R, MATLAB, and STATA.
• Collaborate successfully with faculty, students, and other RAs at Princeton as well as external co-authors.
• Independently manage all timelines and deliverables. Exercise independent decision-making regarding the progression of the research projects and methodologies.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS in economics, mathematics, or computer science, or in a related field (e.g., public policy, with significant coursework in economics, mathematics, statistics, and/or programming)
• Experience with statistical programming in STATA, Python, or R
• Demonstrated interest in empirical social science
• Excellent analytical, empirical, and writing skills, demonstrated through independent work (e.g. course paper, undergraduate thesis, or independent research)
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and flexibly adapt to changes in priorities; experience working both independently and as a team member; willingness to take initiative and follow projects through to completion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of STATA, R, Python, Julia, and/or MATLAB
• Familiarity with machine learning methods and algorithmic modeling for large datasets
• Experience with LaTeX, Unix/Linux
• Evidence of outstanding academic achievement
• Familiarity with standard economic and financial data sources, Internet tools, and HTML
• Master’s degree is desirable but not required.

Important Application Information

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and as such, we encourage applicants to apply early. Short-listed applicants will be contacted for an interview and technical assessment. Candidates should upload the following as a SINGLE PDF: (Upload to the "Other Documents" field in the online application.)

• Cover letter and resume
• List of three references
• Transcripts from all previous academic programs
• A research paper in economics or finance (e.g., independent research, thesis, course paper, etc.)
• Sample of code (ideally for the same paper)

Address all queries to: [e-mail] . Chosen candidates will be required to successfully pass a background check.

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.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) 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.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

• Standard Weekly Hours – 36.25
• Eligible for Overtime – No
• Benefits Eligible – Yes
• Probationary Period – 180 days
• Essential Services Personnel (see Policy For Detail) – No
• Comments Related to End Date – End date will be determined based on start date
• Physical Capacity Exam Required – No
• Valid Driver's License Required – No