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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Short-term Research Assistant

LEAP Professor Erika Deserranno is seeking a Research Assistant for an empirical project in political economy, conducted in collaboration with Professor Nicola Persico (Northwestern University). The project focuses on the survey-based measurement of identity and morality and is expected to last three months, with a time commitment of 20 hours per week.

The ideal candidate should be proficient in R or Python and willing to deepen their knowledge of structural equation models under the guidance of Professor Deserranno.

Application Deadline: January 27th

For applications or further information, please contact Professor Erika Deserranno at erika.deserranno@unibocconi.it.

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Predoc Research Assistant

Awa Ambra Seck (Harvard Business School) & Francesca Miserocchi (Harvard Kennedy School, and Tilburg University)

We are seeking a highly motivated predoctoral research assistant who will split their time working on two exciting research agendas:

1. Development Economics and Culture, with Awa Ambra Seck. 

   The agenda includes projects that explore topics such as migration from Africa to Europe, in both a contemporary and historical context, the effects of colonial policies on the economic performance of West African countries, and the economics of culture.

2. Hiring Discrimination against Ethnic Minorities, with Francesca Miserocchi and Silvia Barbareschi.

   Projects will focus on labor economics and hiring discrimination, particularly, the Research Assistant will work on the piloting and implementation of a field experiment aimed at reducing hiring gaps against ethnic minorities applying for jobs in the hospitality industry in Italy.

The position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in economic research while working closely with two young scholars based in the United States and Europe. The ideal candidate is a strongly motivated student, who is eager to learn and assist on experimental and quasi-experimental methods in economics. An interest in how policy can assist developing countries and marginalized communities, is an asset.

Details of the Position:

• Duration: 12 months, with potential for renewal for an additional 12 months.

• Start Date: July 1st, 2025.

• Location: Remote with potential travel for data collection (expenses covered).

• Compensation: Competitive and based on experience and location.

• Responsibilities:

  • Manage and clean datasets.

  • Conduct statistical analyses using Stata and Python.

  • Develop tools for text-parsing and deep learning applications.

  • Design and implement surveys (e.g., Qualtrics).

  • Prepare literature reviews and background research for academic papers and grant proposals.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or master’s degree in economics, Public Policy, or related field with strong quantitative training.

• Graduate-level coursework in Economics or Econometrics preferred.

• Strong academic record.

• Knowledge of quasi-experimental methods and survey implementation.

• Experience with programming in Stata; familiarity with Python or R is a plus.

• Proficiency in English and French is essential.

• Familiarity with labor market topics and/or African development is a bonus.

How to Apply:

Please send an email to tsharp@hbs.edu with the subject line “PREDOC Seck/Miserocchi 2025 – [Your Name].” Include the following:

• Cover letter (one page maximum)

• CV

• List of two references

• Writing sample

• Stata do-file from your dissertation, coursework, or prior RA work

• Python script (if applicable)

• Academic transcripts

Deadline: January 15th, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview and a skill test.