Research Assistant in Development Economics

About Us

The Development Economics Group (DEC) at ETH Zurich is focused on empirical economics research aimed at crafting effective policies to combat global poverty and inequality. Our mission is to foster social innovations that contribute to meaningful change in these areas. Our approach combines both empirical and experimental research methodologies.

Position Overview

We are seeking a research assistant to join our team for a 6-month duration starting on the 1st of September 2026. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable research experience as you transition between your Master’s degree and a Ph.D. program.

Your Responsibilities

• Clean and prepare data sets for analysis.
• Conduct or reproduce statistical analyses in preparation for academic publications.
• Visualize research results, conduct literature reviews, and perform data searches.
• Participate in organizational tasks to support the smooth operation of our research group.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in economics, statistics, or development studies.
• A strong background in quantitative methods with enthusiasm for coding.
• An interest in topics related to global poverty and inequality.
• Proficiency in statistical software R and/or STATA is essential.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Familiarity with InDesign is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Knowledge of French or German is a plus.
• Experience with international organizations focused on global development is a bonus.

Our Team and Values

Our international team comprises motivated economists and data scientists passionate about addressing global inequalities and contributing to development solutions. We collaborate closely with NADEL, a multidisciplinary group committed to educating future leaders for global cooperation and connecting researchers with civil society, NGOs, governments, and industry.

We uphold values of open discourse, diversity, and empathy. We embrace curiosity in research, enjoy interdisciplinary collaboration, and support public service initiatives.

Important Dates

All necessary documents should be submitted by June 5th, 2026. Required documents include:

• 1-page Cover Letter
• CV
• Your Master's thesis
• Academic Transcripts

Additionally, please arrange for one academic reference letter to be sent directly by June 19th, 2026.

Additional Information

Further details about our research group can be found on our website. Interviews will be conducted at the beginning of July.