Job Description: Pre-Doctoral Position with Nishith Prakash
(Northeastern University) and co-authors
Highlights:
• Application Deadline: ASAP
• Location: Uttrakhand, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh (no remote option)
• Language Requirement: English, Hindi, Telegu (Optional)
• Start Date: ASAP
• Duration: 1 Year minimum. An extension of 1 year is possible conditional upon satisfactory performance
Nishith Prakash (Northeastern University) and co-authors seek to hire a qualified applicant for the position
of Pre-Doctoral Researcher (Research Associate) to work closely on their projects. There are several ongoing
interventions, including an evaluation of an innovative pedagogy (theatre-based) to improve holistic learning
among 6-10 grade students in Uttrakhand, studying the impacts of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Development
Program (EMDP) being implemented in Andhra Pradesh for Class 9 Students, and impact of a customized
educational curriculum on nurturing pro-environmental norms within families in Bihar.
The position offers an exciting opportunity to gain first-hand experience in undertaking cutting-edge research
in the field of development economics. The position is ideal for someone who is looking to apply to Ph.D. programs
in Economics/Public Policy. Along with Prof. Nishith Prakash, you will have the chance to be mentored by a team
of coauthors including Sofia Amaral (The World Bank), Isis Gaddis (The World Bank), Ritam Chaurey (John
Hopkins University), Gaurav Khanna (University of California, San Diego), Samreen Malik (New York University,
Abu Dhabi), Abhiroop Mukhopadhyay (Indian Statistical Institute, Delhi), Shantanu Khanna (Northeastern
University), Raisa Sherif (Max Planck Institute for Tax Law and Public Finance), Sara Constantino (Northeastern
University).
We have a very strong record to place our past RAs in top Ph.D./MA/MPP programs such as: Harvard
University, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, University of Michigan, Cornell University, Michigan State University, UT-Austin, University of Virginia, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Texas A & M
University in the U.S and also into leading European Programs such as Paris School of Economics, Stockholm
School of Economics, University of Oxford among others.
Desired Qualifications and Experience:
• Education: Master’s degree in economics, public policy/administration, engineering, or related fields.
Advanced coursework in economics is highly preferable.
• Personality: Positive personality, go-getter, and someone who is not scared of spending time in the field
is important.
• Understanding of Randomized Evaluations: Demonstrating a good understanding of the value of
RCTs and their usefulness for policy decisions is highly valuable.
• Technical Skills: Knowledge of STATA is required (knowledge of R/Python is desired, but not required).
Knowledge of SurveyCTO/ODK/digital data collection is also preferred.
• Relevant Work Experience: Work experience of 1-2 years as an RA is desirable. However, freshers are
also encouraged to apply.
• Management skills: Proven ability to handle several different projects/tasks at one time, successfully
complete tasks assigned, and meet deadlines. A willingness to work hard, be self-motivated, and learn will
be essential for doing well in this position. Ability to work independently in the field and also work well in
teams.
• Work Authorization: Candidates must have work authorization to work in India. This covers citizens of
India, Nepal, or Bhutan, Persons of Indian origin (PIO), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).
How to Apply:
• Applications will be reviewed on a first-come first-served basis.
• Send your CV to jobs@daiadvisory.in
• Selected applicants will be invited for a STATA Test and interviews with researchers.