Current Open Positions

In this section you will find positions as a Research Assistant (RA) or Internships which are currently open on LEAP projects or other partner institutes and organizations. Information on how to apply is available in the description of each position.

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Pre-Doctoral Research Assistant (Development Economics)
Institution: Nova SBE, Lisbon (In-Person, with Partial Remote Flexibility)
Supervisor: Duncan Webb, Assistant Professor of Economics

Position Overview

I am seeking a highly motivated Pre-Doctoral Research Assistant to support several ongoing and upcoming research projects on inequality and development economics, each involving distinct aspects such as stigma around menstruation in Madagascar, social media usage in Colombian schools, discrimination and identity in Brazil, and health information and AI in India. 

This is a one-year position, based primarily at Nova, starting in September 2025, with the possibility for partial remote work.

Full details of the application are here.

Key Responsibilities

• Data Analysis & Management
  • Clean and analyze quantitative data using Stata or R (both preferred).
  • Organize and maintain datasets, ensuring data integrity and security.
• Literature Reviews
  • Conduct thorough literature searches and synthesize findings for reports and academic papers.
• Questionnaire & Survey Design
  • Assist in developing and piloting surveys (e.g., via SurveyCTO) for field experiments.
• Research Support
  • Contribute to research design, particularly RCTs and other experimental methods.
  • Collaborate with team members on IRB applications and project coordination.
• Fieldwork
  • Carrying out fieldwork (coordinating data collection, piloting, qualitative interviews) in study location may be possible for the right candidate.
• Additional Tasks
  • Communicate with field partners as needed.
  • Provide administrative support, such as grant reporting and scheduling.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Statistics, or a related discipline (required).
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in Stata or R (both strongly preferred).
  • Familiarity with Python and SurveyCTO a plus.
  • Experience or coursework in experimental design/field experiments.
• Additional Skills:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication in English.
  • Knowledge of French, Spanish, Portuguese, Tamil, or Telugu is a bonus.
  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Fieldwork may be possible, though not guaranteed.

Compensation & Duration

• Duration: 1 year full time or part time (minimum 10 hours per week), with a potential extension depending on funding and performance.
• Location: NovaSBE campus near Lisbon, with remote work possible.
• Compensation: €1,811 per month pro rated

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit:

1. CV (detailing educational background, research experience, and technical skills)
2. Academic Transcripts and Masters Diploma
3. Cover Letter (≤1 page, describing relevant experience and motivation)

Shortlisted candidates will complete a small paid work task (e.g., data cleaning or short data analysis) to assess their technical skills, and an interview.

Please send all application materials to all 3 email addresses at once:

1. equalnovaera@novasbe.pt
2. dmbwebb@gmail.com
3. faculty.recruitment@novasbe.pt

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The successful candidate will ideally begin in September 2025.

We strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.

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Research Assistant Position in Development Economics with Prof. Elisa Macchi (Brown University) and Prof. Claude Raisaro (Geneva)

Application deadline: Jun 15, 2025

Seeking a Research Assistant for a project on gender discrimination in male-dominated firms in Uganda. The RA will work very closely with and report to the Principal Investigators, namely Elisa Macchi (AP, Brown U.), and Claude Raisaro (AP, Geneva). Successful candidates will demonstrate a proactive approach to problem-solving, show curiosity about developing countries, and have an ability to work independently while maintaining close communication with the research team. This position offers an excellent opportunity for students interested in gaining hands-on experience in development economics, including the opportunity of fieldwork, and preparing for a future PhD or career in international organizations. 

Position Details: 

• Location: remote, with optional fieldwork in Kampala,

• Start Date: As soon as possible, preferably before the summer.

• Employment: The position may be either part-time or full-time, with a minimum of 10h/week. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Manage the implementation of randomized controlled trials and data collection.

• Assist in data analysis and literature reviews.

• Write drafts of policy reports and research papers. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Economics or related fields

• Interest / strong academic background in Development Economics 

• Fluency in English 

• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., Stata, R) 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience living or working in Sub-Saharan Africa 

• Familiarity with RCT methodologies and impact evaluation 

• Interest in pursuing a PhD in Economics, Business, or Public Policy 

To apply, please submit your CV, unofficial transcript, and a brief statement of interest to elisa_macchi@brown.edu. Include "Devo RA Application" in the subject line.