Terms of Reference
Research Fellow at the National University of Laos (NUOL) and Royal University of Agriculture (RUA): evaluating the impact of digital e-auctions.
1. Background
This position is part of two collaborative research projects examining the role of digital e-auctions in improving agricultural market performance, with a focus on cattle markets in Lao PDR and Cambodia. The project is implemented through a partnership between Monash University, the National University of Laos (NUOL), in Vientiane, Lao PDR, and the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA), in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The research combines platform development with rigorous empirical evaluation, including a clustered randomised controlled trial (RCT), detailed market monitoring, and household and value-chain surveys. The projects are funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) under the Social Systems program.
The Research Fellow will contribute to multiple components of the project during its initial 2 years, covering design, implementation, and early-stage analysis.
2. Objectives of the Position
The objective of this position is to support the implementation and analysis of the research project, with a focus on:
- Contributing to the design and implementation of field activities
- Supporting data collection and management
- Assisting in the development and refinement of the digital platform
- Contributing to preliminary empirical analysis and reporting
The role provides training and experience in applied development economics, field experiments, and digital innovation in agricultural markets.
3. Duration and Location
- Duration: 24 months, potentially renewable for up to 12 months
- Location: Based in Vientiane, Lao PDR, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Start date: To be agreed
- Salary: To be agreed according to qualifications
The position requires extended periods of fieldwork in Lao PDR and, from mid-2026/early-2027, Cambodia.
4. Key Responsibilities
4.1 Research Design and Preparation
- Support the development of survey instruments (household, trader, and market surveys)
- Assist in the preparation of experimental protocols, including randomisation and sampling strategies
- Contribute to the preparation of pre-analysis plans and research documentation
4.2 Platform Development and Testing
- Support user engagement activities informing platform design
- Assist in pilot testing of the e-auction platform
- Document user feedback and contribute to iterative improvements
- Coordinate with technical partners on implementation issues
4.3 Field Implementation
- Support the organisation and delivery of training sessions for producers and traders
- Assist in the rollout of the platform across treatment areas
- Coordinate field teams involved in data collection
- Monitor implementation fidelity and troubleshoot operational challenges
4.4 Data Collection and Management
- Oversee and support survey implementation in collaboration with local teams
- Ensure data quality through spot checks, back-checks, and validation protocols
- Manage and document datasets, including merging survey and platform data
- Maintain clear data documentation and version control
4.5 Data Analysis and Reporting
- Conduct descriptive analysis of market, household, and platform data
- Support econometric analysis under the guidance of the research team
- Contribute to internal reports, policy briefs, and presentations
- Assist in the preparation of academic outputs
4.6 Stakeholder Engagement
- Support engagement with government agencies and local stakeholders
- Contribute to the organisation of workshops and dissemination events
- Facilitate communication between research partners and field actors
5. Deliverables
- Cleaned and documented datasets
- Contributions to survey instruments and experimental protocols
- Field implementation reports
- Analytical memos and preliminary results
- Contributions to policy briefs and research outputs
6. Reporting and Supervision
The Research Fellow will be supervised by Chitpasong Kousonsavath (NUOL), who will provide day-to-day guidance. Chitpasong Kousonsavath will also provide oversight of field-based activities and implementation in Lao PDR. Lyda Hok (RUA) will provide oversight of field-based activities and implementation in Cambodia.
The Fellow will also work closely with the broader project team, including Paulo Santos, Arthur Campbell, and Simon Wilkie, who will contribute to research design, methodological guidance, and analytical support.
7. Required Qualifications and Skills
Essential
- Undergraduate or Master’s degree in economics, development studies, statistics, or a related field
- Strong quantitative skills and familiarity with statistical software (e.g. Stata, R, or Python)
- Interest in development economics and field-based research
- Ability to work independently in a field setting
- Strong organisational skills
- Strong communication skills in English
Desirable
- Experience with survey design and fieldwork in developing country contexts is highly desirable
- Familiarity with experimental or quasi-experimental methods
- Experience working with large datasets
- Exposure to digital platforms or technology-enabled interventions
- Knowledge of Lao PDR or Cambodia context
- Knowledge of Lao or Khmer
8. Learning and Professional Development
While offering multiple opportunities for professional development for a candidate interested in a career in development, the position is particularly adequate as a pre-doctoral role. The position will provide:
- Hands-on experience in the design and implementation of an RCT
- Exposure to interdisciplinary work linking economics and digital systems
- Opportunities to contribute to academic research and policy engagement
- Mentorship from researchers across partner institutions
9. Selection Criteria
Candidates will be assessed based on:
- Academic background and quantitative skills
- Relevant field experience
- Relevant research experience
- Motivation and interest in the project
- Ability to work in collaborative and field-based environments
10. Ethical Considerations
The Research Fellow will be expected to adhere to all ethical protocols governing data collection, informed consent, and data management, in line with institutional and national requirements.
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Letters of reference: 2