Pre-doctoral Fellow in Economics and Applied Machine Learning with a Focus on Developing Countries
Join to apply for the Pre-doctoral Fellow in Economics and Applied Machine Learning with a Focus on Developing Countries role at Universität Zürich.
Position Overview
The Economics Department at the University of Zurich, led by Prof. David Yanagizawa-Drott, is offering full-time pre-doctoral Research Fellow positions for two years, with a flexible start date between June and October 2025. The role involves working on innovative research related to AI technologies in lower-middle-income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya).
Your Responsibilities
* Conduct field research in Sub-Saharan Africa, including data collection and analysis.
* Clean and analyze large datasets using statistical software such as STATA, R, or Python.
* Apply machine learning techniques, including supervised and reinforcement learning, to economic research questions.
* Collaborate with Prof. Yanagizawa-Drott and his team to develop and publish research findings.
Your Profile
Ideal candidates are BA or Master's graduates seeking research experience before entering a PhD program. Willingness to spend significant time in the field in Ghana, Tanzania, and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa is essential. Non-EU/EFTA applicants should have a Master’s degree.
Tracks
* Economics Track: Major in Economics, strong quantitative skills, coursework in machine learning or interest in ML and LLMs. Experience in developing countries is a plus but not required.
* Applied ML Track: Major in computer science, experience with supervised ML and reinforcement learning, coursework in economics.
Minimum Requirements
* Degree in economics, computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, or related fields.
* Postgraduate qualifications or outstanding BA academic record.
* Research and analytical skills.
* Proficiency in STATA, R, or Python preferred.
* Experience with reinforcement learning and supervised ML for Applied ML track.
Application Process
Submit your application via the UZH jobs portal, including:
* A cover letter specifying your interest, track, available start date, programming skills, research experience, and work in developing countries. Mention EU citizenship if applicable.
* An updated CV.
* Contact details for two referees.
* A writing sample, transcript, and coding sample in one PDF.
For more information, visit yanagizawadrott.com and socialcatalystlab.org or contact SCL@econ.uzh.ch.
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