A new opportunity has been announced for aspiring economists seeking advanced research experience before pursuing doctoral studies. Applications are now open for a Research Associate – Applied Economics position, offering candidates the chance to work closely with leading academic researchers while strengthening their research portfolio and preparing for competitive PhD programs in Economics.
The part-time position is scheduled to begin in September 2025 and will support ongoing research led by Professor Arianna Ornaghi in the fields of media economics and political economy. The role forms part of the research project “Policy Preferences and Identities”, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) through the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) Transregio 190.
The application deadline for full consideration is 28 June 2026.
Opportunity for Future Economics Researchers
The Research Associate position is specifically designed for individuals who have completed their pre-doctoral education and are interested in pursuing a highly competitive PhD in Economics. The role offers valuable hands-on research experience while allowing sufficient time for candidates to advance their own academic interests and doctoral applications.
Working approximately 30 hours per week, the selected candidate will engage in cutting-edge research while receiving mentorship and professional development support aimed at fostering a successful academic career.
In addition to research responsibilities, associates will be encouraged to participate in seminars and discussions focused on applied microeconomics and political economy, providing exposure to current developments and methodologies within the discipline.
Research Focus Areas
The successful candidate will contribute to research projects examining key questions in:
- Media Economics
- Political Economy
- Public Policy Preferences
- Identity and Political Behavior
- Applied Microeconomics
The position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate on research with real-world policy relevance while developing advanced analytical and quantitative research skills.
Key Responsibilities
The Research Associate will play an important role in supporting ongoing research activities through a variety of tasks.
Responsibilities include:
Literature Reviews
- Conducting comprehensive reviews of academic literature
- Summarizing key findings and identifying research gaps
- Supporting the development of theoretical frameworks
Research Reporting
- Drafting research reports and project summaries
- Assisting with academic publications and presentations
- Preparing documentation for research dissemination
Data Management and Analysis
- Cleaning and organizing large datasets
- Conducting statistical analysis
- Supporting empirical research projects
Text Analysis
- Implementing text-based analytical methods
- Extracting and interpreting information from textual datasets
- Assisting with computational research techniques
Data Collection
- Identifying relevant datasets for research projects
- Acquiring and managing research data sources
- Ensuring data quality and accessibility
Team Collaboration
- Working closely with faculty members and researchers
- Contributing to collaborative research activities
- Participating in academic discussions and project meetings
Candidate Requirements
The position is open to highly motivated candidates with strong quantitative and analytical skills.
Applicants are expected to have completed, or be on track to complete before the appointment start date, a Master’s degree in one of the following fields:
- Economics
- Statistics
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Mathematics
- Related quantitative disciplines
Essential Skills
Candidates should possess:
- Strong analytical and research capabilities
- Experience using statistical software packages
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Excellent written communication skills
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities
Applicants should demonstrate proficiency in at least one of the following statistical software programs:
- Stata
- R
- Other equivalent statistical software
Additional Preferred Qualifications
While not mandatory, the following qualifications will be considered advantageous:
- Experience with Python programming
- Knowledge of econometric methods
- Familiarity with quantitative social science research
- Experience handling large datasets
- Interest in political economy and public policy research
Professional Development Benefits
The position offers significant advantages for candidates preparing for doctoral studies and long-term academic careers.
Research Associates will benefit from:
- Direct mentorship from Professor Arianna Ornaghi
- Exposure to high-level academic research projects
- Opportunities to attend research seminars
- Guidance on PhD applications and academic career planning
- Enhanced research and data analysis expertise
- Collaboration within an international research environment
The role is particularly valuable for candidates seeking to strengthen their academic credentials before applying to leading PhD programs in Economics.
Employment Benefits
In addition to professional development opportunities, the position includes a range of employee benefits designed to support work-life balance and flexibility.
Benefits include:
- 30 days of paid annual leave
- Up to 20 days of workation opportunities
- Flexible working hours
- Mobile and remote working possibilities
- Commuter ticket support
- Excellent transport connections
- International and diverse working environment
Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit a complete application package containing the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages)
- Cover Letter (maximum one page)
- Writing Sample (Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis)
- Unofficial Academic Transcripts
- Reference Letter from a Faculty Member
- Unofficial GRE Scores (if available)
- Unofficial TOEFL or IELTS Results (if available)
The cover letter should clearly explain:
- Motivation for pursuing a PhD in Economics
- Interest in the Research Associate position
- Earliest available starting date
Application Deadline
Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline of 28 June 2026 to receive full consideration.
Additional information regarding the position can be obtained by contacting Professor Arianna Ornaghi, Assistant Professor of Economics.
Final Thoughts
The Research Associate – Applied Economics position presents an outstanding opportunity for talented graduates seeking advanced research experience before embarking on doctoral studies. Through direct involvement in impactful research projects, close academic mentorship, and exposure to leading scholars in applied economics and political economy, successful candidates will gain valuable skills and experience that can significantly strengthen their prospects for admission to top PhD programs worldwide.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.