Research Assistant in Development Economics / Research Assistantess in Development Economics

Position Announcement: Research Assistant in Development Economics

The Development Economics Group (DEC) at ETH Zurich is dedicated to empirical economics research aimed at informing more effective policies to reduce global poverty and inequalities. Our mission is to develop innovative social solutions to combat these pressing global issues through empirical and experimental economic research.

Position Details

We are currently seeking a Research Assistant in Development Economics, starting on September 1, 2026, for a period of six months. This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain research experience between completing a Master’s degree and embarking on a Ph.D. program.

Responsibilities

• Cleaning data sets and conducting or reproducing statistical analyses in preparation for academic publications.
• Visualizing results, performing literature reviews, and conducting data searches.
• Engaging in organizational tasks related to the operations of our research group.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in economics, statistics, or development studies.
• A strong background in quantitative methods and a passion for coding.
• An interest in global poverty and inequality topics.
• Proficiency in statistical software such as R and/or STATA is required.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.
• Knowledge of InDesign, French, or German is a plus, but not mandatory.
• Previous experience with international organizations focused on global development is an advantage, though not required.

About Our Team

Our international team consists of highly motivated economists and data scientists dedicated to analyzing global inequalities and contributing to solutions for global development challenges. We work closely with NADEL, a multidisciplinary team that trains future decision-makers in global cooperation and development, linking researchers with civil society, NGOs, governments, and industry to develop and scale innovations for the global population.

Our Values

We uphold values of open discourse, diversity, and empathy. Our team is curious about new research approaches, enjoys interdisciplinary collaboration, and is committed to public service.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to apply online using the form below. To apply, please submit the following documents by June 5, 2026:

• 1-page Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Your Master's thesis
• Academic Transcripts

Additionally, please arrange for one academic reference letter to be sent directly to Celine Aeschbacher at celine.aeschbacher@nadel.ethz.ch by June 19, 2026.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. For further information about our research group, please visit our website. For any questions regarding the position, feel free to reach out to Kenneth Harttgen at harttgen@nadel.ethz.ch.

We look forward to receiving your application!