Predoctoral | Research Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

This posting is for visibility purposes only. To formally apply for this position, submit your materials here by Jul 31, 2026:

• Cover letter, including how this position will prepare you for your future career
• Resume
• Transcript (unofficial is ok)
• Writing sample, preferably single-authored
• Names and contact information for 2-3 references

The Building Inclusive Growth (BIG) Lab at Notre Dame is hiring a full-time predoctoral Research Associate in the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. The RA will join a cohort of predoctoral research associates who work in a team environment as part of the BIG Lab. The Lab supports development economists and other quantitative researchers in both the Keough School and the Department of Economics, such as Lakshmi Iyer, Taryn Dinkelman, Enrique Seira, Joseph Kaboski, Santosh Gautam and Alejandro Estefan, and aims to produce high quality research into enduring pathways out of poverty in low-income countries.

The RA will work on research projects related to structural transformation, education, gender, labor markets, and energy use in low- and middle-income countries. Recent projects have focused on India, Uganda, Mexico, Guatemala, and Malawi. The RA will be involved in all aspects of the research process, including: data sourcing, grant applications, fieldwork, data analysis, manuscript preparation, research team management, presentation of results, generation of replication materials, and dissemination of results to academic and policy audiences through workshops and conferences. The RA will also be able to participate in mentorship and skills development activities and the weekly development economics workshop. RAs can also enroll in one class each semester for credit.

This is a full-time, one-year position with the possibility to extend to a second year pending funding. Start date is flexible, preferably by September 16, 2026. This position does not qualify for employer-sponsored H1B visa sponsorship. It is the individual's responsibility to file all necessary visa applications and pay the associated fees. Successful candidates requiring a J1 or F1-OPT visa are eligible to receive reimbursement for visa fees up to $2,000. 

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• 85%: Research support: Data sourcing (may involve international travel), grant applications, fieldwork (survey preparation, survey testing and implementation), data analysis, literature reviews, writing up of results, preparation of presentations, weekly team meetings for research review
• 15%: Planning, logistics, grant proposal screening, communication for research workshops (internal and external) and other service to the Lab

Skills:

• Completed 4-year undergrad degree (bachelors or foreign equivalent) in economics, statistics, applied mathematics, or related field
• Strong quantitative background
• Strong writing skills (evidenced by a writing sample)
• Independent problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and be highly organized
• Experience programming in Stata and/or R; experience working with GIS data a plus 

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.