Scholarships
$60,000 Research Assistant Position at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), Cambridge, MA – Apply Now for Fall 2025
Launch Your Research Career with a Prestigious U.S. Institution
The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is inviting applications for a Full-Time Term Research Assistant position starting in Fall 2025. This is a rare opportunity for aspiring economists, data scientists, and social science researchers to gain direct experience working with world-class scholars on groundbreaking projects in political economy, development, and economic history.
If you’re passionate about empirical research, data analysis, and preparing for graduate study in economics or related disciplines, this position could be your perfect career launchpad.
💼 Position Overview
- Position Title: Full-Time Term Research Assistant
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts (Hybrid or Remote Eligible)
- Duration: 1 Year (Full-Time)
- Salary: $60,000 per annum
- Start Date: Fall 2025
- Employer: National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
This position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with an exceptional team of economists — Samuel Bazzi, Eric Chyn, Andreas Ferrara, Martin Fiszbein, Thomas Pearson, and Patrick Testa — on empirical research projects that explore how history, policy, and institutions shape economic development and social outcomes.
🧠 Key Responsibilities
The selected candidate will work closely with principal investigators and contribute to every stage of the research process, including:
- Collecting, cleaning, and managing large-scale historical and modern datasets.
- Working with digitized historical newspaper archives and individual-level U.S. census data.
- Performing statistical and econometric analysis using Python, Stata, or R.
- Assisting in data visualization and interpretation for working papers and publications.
- Supporting research design, replication, and computational documentation.
This role will provide hands-on experience with big data in economics and exposure to textual data analysis using advanced computational tools.
🎓 Required Qualifications
To be considered for this position, applicants must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Political Science, or another quantitative social science.
- Strong programming skills in Python (required).
- Proficiency with Stata and/or R.
- Exceptional attention to detail, time management, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team.
🚀 Preferred Skills
- Prior experience as a research assistant or with independent research projects.
- Familiarity with large language models (LLMs) — though this can also be learned on the job.
- Comfort handling large textual and historical datasets.
- Interest in political economy, economic development, or economic history.
This position is ideal for recent graduates planning to apply for Ph.D. programs in Economics, Data Science, or Public Policy.
🌍 Work Environment and Flexibility
The Research Assistant will be based at the NBER’s main office in Cambridge, MA, but the role offers hybrid and remote work options. This flexibility allows candidates from across the United States to participate without relocation barriers.
The NBER’s collaborative academic environment provides access to an exceptional network of leading economists and an opportunity to contribute to research with significant policy implications.
💰 Compensation and Benefits
- Annual Salary: $60,000 (Full-Time, Term Position)
- Duration: 12 months, renewable or extendable based on performance and project needs
- Work Mode: Hybrid or Remote Eligible
- Benefits: Professional development support, access to high-level research resources, and an opportunity to co-author papers or contribute to major publications.
🗓️ Application Instructions
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early submission is strongly encouraged.
Applicants must submit a single PDF file containing the following:
- Cover Letter – Describe your research interests, relevant programming experience, and motivation for applying.
- Current CV or Resume – Include academic background and technical skills.
- Unofficial Transcript – Show coursework relevant to economics, data analysis, or computer science.
- Two References – Include names and email addresses of referees.
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a technical assessment and may be invited for an interview.
⚖️ Equal Opportunity Statement
The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. The organization provides reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process.
🧭 Why You Should Apply
- Gain direct research experience with globally respected economists.
- Develop advanced data analysis and coding skills using real-world datasets.
- Prepare for top-tier PhD programs in economics or related fields.
- Contribute to studies that influence economic policy and academic research.
- Earn a competitive salary while working in a flexible, intellectually stimulating environment.
🏁 Final Thoughts
This $60,000 research assistant position at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) offers an unmatched chance to work with influential economists and build the skills necessary for a thriving academic or data-driven career.
Whether you’re interested in economic history, machine learning, or policy research, this one-year opportunity provides a powerful stepping stone toward your future in economics and social science.
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