Social Science Research Professional 1

Job Family: Research

Job Code: 4186

Grade: E

The Stanford Center on Global Poverty and Development is a new Stanford University research center under the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR). The center’s goal is to improve the lives of the world’s poor by catalyzing research, energizing students, and collaborating with thought leaders around the globe.

The center works to convene and support a multi-disciplinary community of Stanford scholars who perform path-breaking research, create transformative student experiences, and shape policy and practice. The center supports three major types of activities: (1) Major multi-faculty research initiatives; (2) research support and community building activities; and (3) student programs that provide opportunities for research, study, and hands-on experience, on and beyond campus.

The Stanford Center on Global Poverty and Development is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time research position, to work with Professors Nick Bloom and Pete Klenow. The position is for approximately 10 months fixed-term, with the possibility of extension depending on project needs. The research assistant will work on a new data initiative on firm productivity in developing countries, which has received support from the Stanford Institute for Innovation in Developing Economies (SEED). The research assistant should have relevant training and/or work experience in economics, political science, or public policy. The position may include some international travel.

The research assistant will work with Stanford faculty to compile comprehensive sampling frames of firms in developing countries, including India and China. This sampling frame dataset will include basic information on firms, and will be used as the basis for other faculty research projects. Compiling the sampling frame will require obtaining existing datasets from other researchers, international organizations, and government and trade groups, and developing and overseeing the implementation of some additional field checks or phone surveys. The research assistant will also work with Stanford faculty to develop data sharing and research collaborations with Stanford faculty and alumni contacts in developing countries, including conducting background research and writing short research proposals for a non-technical audience.

In addition to working closely with faculty as research assistants, which provides preparation for graduate school, the research assistant will attend seminars at Stanford and may co-author papers with students or faculty members. The research assistant will interact with professors, graduate students, and other collaborators regularly. The position serves as an ideal bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics. Candidates need not be economics majors, though they should have a strong interest in and some experience with economics. Salary will be competitive.

• General understanding of scientific theory and methods.
• Strong quantitative and programming skills.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with human study participants.

• Familiarity with Stata or other data analysis programs such as SAS or Matlab is strongly desired.
• Knowledge of economics is strongly desired.
• Experience working in low income countries is a plus.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
• Occasionally stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, writing by hand, and sort/file paperwork or parts.
• Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl, rarely reach/work above shoulders, operate foot and/or hand controls.

• -Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

• May be required to work non-standard, extended or weekend hours in support of research work.

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law