Postdoctoral Fellow in Development Economics / Postdoctoral Fellowess in Development Economics

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Your Responsibilities

Through the Lemann Center, the Department of Economics is collaborating with the Alliance for Data, Evaluation, and Policy Training (ADEPT) to establish innovative graduate-level programs that blend in-person teaching with online courses in the J-PAL/MITx Data, Economics, and Design of Policy (DEDP) MicroMasters program. The primary focus of this position is to lead the development and launch of these programs in close coordination with Professors Esther Duflo (MIT/UZH), Sara Fisher Ellison (MIT), and Dina Pomeranz (UZH), along with the ADEPT/UZH Economics teams. Additionally, the successful candidate will support other ADEPT university partnerships both regionally and beyond.

Key Responsibilities May Include:

• Co-design and Help Launch UZH-based Programs:
  • Curriculum design for new graduate-level programs offered through the UZH Economics department for students and policymakers.
  • Oversee logistical and operational requirements to launch the new UZH-based programs, including navigating national and university regulatory requirements, obtaining university approvals, advertising, and admissions setup.
  • Assist in the organization of and teach courses at UZH and elsewhere for students, policymakers, and early-career researchers. Courses may vary from one-week sessions for working professionals to semester-long classes in the Economics department.
• Support Other Activities Led by ADEPT and the Lemann Center:
  • Develop new teaching materials in policy design and evaluation.
  • Provide direct support to faculty and departments at ADEPT partner universities designing new programs similar to those at UZH.
  • Contribute to research projects emerging from the Lemann Center.
  • Fulfill other responsibilities as needed to advance the programs and initiatives of the Lemann Center.

Approximately 80% of the postdoctoral researcher’s time will be dedicated to these activities, with the remaining 20% allocated for independent research projects.

Your Profile

Applicants should hold a PhD in Economics or a related field, with relevant PhD-level coursework and an interest in development economics, education, or public policy. We are seeking an individual who is passionate about teaching, with solid experience in educational practice and the development of new teaching materials. Candidates must demonstrate strong coordination skills and a commitment to impactful, policy-relevant research. We value a dynamic, self-motivated individual who is eager to think creatively about global capacity building to aid in the development and launch of these programs.

Professional working proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of German is an advantage, but not a requirement.

The Department of Economics offers an exciting research environment along with competitive terms and conditions. Diversity and inclusion are important to us.

Application Process

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For inquiries, please contact:

Sarah Kopper
Associate Director of Research
opper@povertyactionlab.org