Pre-Doctoral Research Professional Position at the University of Pennsylvania (2026 Intake)

High-Paying Research Assistant Opportunity in Economics and the Digital Economy

If you are an ambitious graduate with a strong quantitative background and a long-term goal of pursuing a PhD in Economics, this Pre-Doctoral Research Professional position at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) could be a career-defining opportunity. Hosted at one of the world’s most prestigious Ivy League institutions, this full-time research role offers direct mentorship, advanced applied research exposure, and a proven pathway to top-ranked doctoral programs.

Starting July 1, 2026, successful candidates will join the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia for a period of one to two years, working closely with leading faculty in economics, marketing, and applied microeconomic research.

About the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, is globally recognized for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and elite faculty. Its Wharton School and Economics Department consistently rank among the best in the world, making UPenn a prime destination for aspiring researchers and future academics.

Pre-doctoral positions at UPenn are highly competitive and well regarded by admissions committees at top PhD programs in economics, finance, public policy, and related fields.

Sponsoring Faculty and Research Environment

This pre-doctoral research position is jointly supervised by:

• Professor Pinar Yildirim
  Marketing Department, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
• Professor Juan Camilo Castillo
  Economics Department, University of Pennsylvania

The selected researcher will collaborate closely with these faculty members and their coauthors on high-impact academic research projects. Past pre-doctoral researchers under similar arrangements have gone on to secure placements in top-tier PhD programs worldwide.

Job Description: What You’ll Be Working On

The role is designed for individuals seeking intensive research training before applying to doctoral programs. As a full-time Pre-Doctoral Research Professional, your work will focus on:

• Applied Microeconomics
• Digital Economy
• Industrial Organization
• Data-driven economic research
• Empirical analysis using real-world datasets
• Supporting academic publications and working papers

You will gain hands-on experience in economic modeling, data analysis, programming, and research design, while contributing to projects that influence policy, markets, and digital platforms.

Required Qualifications and Skills

To be competitive for this high-value academic position, candidates should demonstrate the following qualifications:

Educational Background

• A BA or BS degree in:
  • Economics
  • Statistics
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Or another highly quantitative discipline

Technical and Programming Skills

• Strong proficiency in one or more of the following:
  • Stata
  • R
  • Python
  • Matlab
  • Julia
  • Or similar statistical/programming languages

Core Competencies

• Ability to work independently and solve complex research problems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail and analytical thinking
• Comfort working with large datasets

Career Motivation

• A long-term interest in pursuing a PhD in Economics or related fields
• Demonstrated passion for academic research and quantitative analysis

Note: Prior research experience in economics is an advantage but not a strict requirement. Strong quantitative skills and motivation are highly valued.

Why This Pre-Doctoral Position Is Highly Valuable

This opportunity stands out for several reasons:

1. Proven PhD Placement Record

Previous pre-doctoral researchers from similar roles have successfully gained admission to top-ranked PhD programs in economics and related disciplines.

2. Ivy League Research Exposure

Working at UPenn provides:

• Global academic recognition
• Access to world-class faculty
• Strong letters of recommendation
• Exposure to elite research standards

3. High Career ROI

Pre-doctoral roles significantly improve:

• PhD admission outcomes
• Academic and policy research careers
• Data science and economic consulting prospects

4. Competitive Compensation and Prestige

While compensation details are subject to university approval, pre-doctoral research positions at top U.S. universities are well-funded and professionally rewarding.

Location and Duration

• Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
• Start Date: July 1, 2026
• Duration: 1–2 years (full-time)
• Work Environment: On-campus, collaborative academic setting

Application Process and Contact Information

This position is subject to approval by the University of Pennsylvania. Interested applicants should carefully complete the official Pre-Doctoral Research Professional application form as instructed.

Final Thoughts: Is This Role Right for You?

If you are a quantitatively skilled graduate aiming for a PhD in Economics, Finance, Public Policy, or Data-Driven Social Science, this Pre-Doctoral Research Professional position at UPenn is an exceptional opportunity to strengthen your academic profile.

With direct mentorship from leading scholars, hands-on research experience, and a strong track record of PhD placements, this role offers both prestige and long-term career value.

👉 Apply Now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe1DciotTv0ErgkiqZGIlXOPuUUAr5GzAkSdciWDokxsAkVag/viewform