Research Assistant

The Department of Economics belongs to the Faculty of Social Sciences at Stockholm University and employs around 90 workers. We conduct top-level research and provide education in Economics with the help of a well-functioning administration. We are an international and dynamic department physically located at the center of campus in Frescati, north of the Stockholm city center, please visit: the Department of Economics.

Main responsibilities

The Department of Economics at Stockholm University is looking to hire a full-time predoctoral research fellow for a period of one year to start in June 2025 at the earliest, with the possibility to extend for another year.  There may be flexibility to work part-time.

The research fellow will support and collaborate on a series of new and ongoing projects related to development and the environment, with a particular focus on a unique dataset mapping human development and environmental change across the developing world since the 1940s, derived from recently-digitized historical aerial photographs.  The research fellow will work closely with an international team of researchers let at SU by Professor Andreas Madestam and Assistant Professor Anna Tompsett.

The successful applicant will receive mentoring from the above-mentioned team of researchers. Research fellows are physically based at the Department of Economics at Stockholm University, Sweden, and will work closely with the research team. Prior research fellows at the Department of Economics have gone on to attend top-tier PhD programs in Economics.

Concrete tasks may include:

• Process and manage large datasets
• Design and manage outsourcing for image labeling and georeferencing
• Conduct statistical and econometric analysis, primarily using Stata, Python, ArcGIS, and Google Earth Engine
• Write project reports that summarize analysis
• Prepare literature reviews
• Data visualization.

Qualification requirements

Required:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a subject that includes substantial quantitative coursework, for example Master in Engineering or Economics
• Extensive programming skills
• Strong interest in economics and public policy
• Strong written and oral communication skill
• Ability to work independently
• Strong organizational skills.

Other useful qualifications:

• Prior experience as a research assistant
• Programming skills in Stata, Python, ArcGIS, and Google Earth Engine
  Knowledge of LaTeX
• Experience in working with big data and/or spatial data.

We place a large weight on personal characteristics, including curiosity, attention to detail, openness to learning, communication skills, and work ethic.

About the employment

This is a full-time position for 12 months starting in June 2025 at the earliest. Salaries at Stockholm University are individually determined. We can provide help and guidance with the work permit application for non-EU residents.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor Andreas Madestam, phone: +46 76 028 94 00, andreas.madestam@su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete and that it is submitted before the deadline.

An application should consist of:

• Cover letter describing among other things:
  - Reasons for wishing to become a Research Assistant.
  - Brief description of any research experience.
  - Contact details for at least one and up to three academic or professional references.
• CV (please list your GPA from completed degrees).
  - List of completed courses (e.g., a grade transcript).
• An academic writing example (e.g. bachelor’s or master’s thesis or term paper).
• Documentation of prior programming experience, for example a structured code from thesis work or course work in the programming language of your choice.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.