Terms of Reference
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 projects are 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 projects are funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
The research combines the development and implementation of a digital trading platform with rigorous empirical evaluation. Key components include a clustered randomised controlled trial (RCT), detailed monitoring of agricultural markets, and household and value-chain surveys. The position will contribute to research design, field implementation, data management and analysis, and the coordination of research activities across partner institutions.
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be based at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, and will work closely with researchers and research partners in Australia, Lao PDR and Cambodia. The position involves periods of fieldwork in Lao PDR and Cambodia, as the Fellow will be expected to play an active role in preparing, coordinating and monitoring field activities.
2. Objectives of the Position
The primary objective of the position is to contribute to the successful implementation and empirical evaluation of the digital auctions platform to be developed and rolled-out. The Fellow will have responsibility for both research activities and the practical aspects of field-based components of the projects.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Contributing to the design and implementation of research and field activities;
- Coordinating fieldwork, namely by supporting local research teams in Lao PDR and Cambodia;
- Supporting the design and implementation of surveys and experimental protocols;
- Managing research data;
- Contributing to the development, testing and implementation of the digital e-auction platform;
- Conducting empirical analysis of household, market and platform data;
- Contributing to academic publications, reports and policy outputs; and
- Maintaining effective communication and collaboration across the project's international research team.
The position requires a combination of strong analytical and quantitative skills, research independence, organisational ability, and interpersonal skills. The successful candidate will need to be comfortable moving between research design and analysis and the practical coordination of field activities.
3. Duration and Location
- Duration: 24 months, potentially renewable for up to 12 months
- Location: Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Start date: To be agreed
- Salary: AUD 123,138 per year, plus superannuation (12%)
The position is primarily based at Monash University in Melbourne. However, it requires extended periods of international fieldwork in Lao PDR and Cambodia. Fieldwork activities will be undertaken in close coordination with the project’s local research partners in each country, who will provide local knowledge and support for field implementation.
4. Key Responsibilities
4.1 Research Design and Preparation
- Contribute to the development of household, trader, and market surveys;
- Assist with the design and implementation of experimental protocols, including randomisation and sampling strategies;
- Contribute to pre-analysis plans, and other research documentation;
- Review relevant academic literature and contribute to the development of research questions and empirical strategies.
4.2 Fieldwork Planning and Coordination
- Planning fieldwork schedules and coordinating activities across different locations;
- Working with local research partners, field teams, and service providers;
- Supporting recruitment, training and supervision of enumerators and other field personnel, as needed;
- Coordinating the logistics required for household, market and value-chain surveys, as needed;
- Monitoring progress against fieldwork plans and resolving operational problems;
- Reporting regularly to the broader research team on fieldwork progress, challenges and emerging issues;
- Assist with the rollout of the platform across treatment areas;
- Monitor implementation fidelity and identify potential deviations from research protocols; and
- Troubleshoot operational challenges arising during field implementation;
4.3 Platform Development and Testing
- Support user engagement activities informing the design of the digital e-auction platform;
- Assist with pilot testing and implementation of the platform;
- Engage with producers, traders and other users to understand their experiences and provide structured feedback to the technical team;
- Document user feedback and contribute to iterative improvements;
- Coordinate with technical partners on implementation and operational issues; and
- Monitor the integration of platform implementation with the research design.
4.4 Data Collection and Management
- Oversee and support survey implementation in collaboration with local research teams;
- Ensure data quality through spot checks, back-checks, validation protocols and regular review of incoming data;
- Manage and document datasets, including the integration of survey, market and digital-platform data;
- Maintain clear data documentation;
- Identify and address data-quality issues in a timely manner; and
- Contribute to the preparation of research datasets for empirical analysis and replication.
4.5 Data Analysis and Research Outputs
- Conduct descriptive and exploratory analysis of market, household and platform data;
- Conduct econometric analysis using appropriate quantitative methods;
- Contribute to the analysis of experimental and survey data;
- Work independently on defined analytical components while seeking methodological guidance from senior members of the research team where appropriate;
- Contribute to, and co-author, academic papers, research reports, policy briefs and presentations; and
- Present research findings to academic, policy and other audiences.
4.6 Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
The position may involve opportunities to interact with people from different professional, institutional and cultural backgrounds, particularly in the context of fieldwork and project activities. Depending on the needs of the project, the Fellow may:
- Participate in engagement with government agencies, local organisations and other project stakeholders;
- Contribute to workshops, training activities and dissemination events;
- Interact with producers, traders, survey personnel, technical partners and other participants in the agricultural value chain;
- Support communication between the Australian research team and field-based partners; and
- Contribute to discussions with research partners and other stakeholders about the implementation and findings of the project.
5. Deliverables
- High-quality and well-documented research datasets;
- Survey instruments and experimental protocols;
- Fieldwork plans and implementation reports;
- Documentation of digital platform testing and implementation;
- Analytical memos and preliminary research results;
- Academic manuscripts and other research outputs;
- Policy briefs and presentations;
- Documentation of fieldwork and research procedures; and
The precise deliverables and timing will evolve as the projects progress.
6. Reporting and Supervision
The Fellow will be expected to work with a significant degree of independence while maintaining regular communication with the project team.
The Research Fellow will be based at Monash University and will work under the supervision of Paulo Santos. The broader project team at Monash University also includes Arthur Campbell and Simon Wilkie, who will contribute to research design, methodological guidance and analytical support. The Research Fellow will work closely with Chitpasong Kousonsavath (NUOL) and other researchers in Lao PDR, as well as Lyda Hok (RUA) and other researchers in Cambodia.
7. Required Qualifications and Skills
Essential
- A PhD in economics or agricultural economics;
- Strong quantitative and econometric skills;
- Demonstrated experience with statistical software such as Stata, R or Python;
- Experience with empirical research methods, including experimental methods;
- Experience designing or implementing household, producer, trader or market surveys;
- Previous experience coordinating fieldwork in developing-country contexts;
- Strong organisational and project-management skills;
- Ability to plan and coordinate complex research activities, including fieldwork;
- Ability and willingness to undertake extended periods of international fieldwork;
- Ability to work independently and take responsibility for defined components of a research project;
- Excellent written and spoken English;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; and
- Ability to work effectively with people from different cultural, institutional and professional backgrounds;
Desirable
- Experience combining survey data with administrative, transactional or digital-platform data;
- Experience with technology-enabled interventions or digital platforms;
- Knowledge of Lao PDR or Cambodia and/or previous fieldwork experience in Southeast Asia;
- Knowledge of Lao or Khmer; and
- Experience working in international research teams.
8. Learning and Professional Development
The position provides an opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher to develop an independent research profile while gaining substantial experience in the design, implementation and evaluation of a large- scale field research project. Subject to the constraints placed by the requirement of project activities, we support the successful candidate to continue the development of research that is not directly related with the project.
The Research Fellow will have opportunities to:
- Contribute to the design, implementation and analysis of a field experiment;
- Gain experience managing and coordinating international field research;
- Work across economics, agricultural markets and digital technology;
- Contribute to, and co-author, academic publications and policy-oriented research outputs; and
- Develop experience working with international research partners and non-academic stakeholders;
The position is particularly suited to a researcher who wishes to combine high-quality empirical research with practical experience in managing field-based research projects.
9. Selection Criteria
- Quality and relevance of their PhD and broader academic background;
- Strength of quantitative and econometric skills;
- Quality and relevance of previous research experience;
- Demonstrated capacity to undertake field-based research;
- Ability to coordinate and manage fieldwork and research activities;
- Organisational skills and capacity to work independently;
- Ability to work effectively with international research partners and people from diverse backgrounds;
- Communication and interpersonal skills;
- Motivation and interest in the research project; and
- Ability to contribute constructively to a collaborative research environment.
10. Ethical Considerations
The Research Fellow will be expected to adhere to all ethical protocols governing data collection, informed consent, research participant engagement and data management, in accordance with relevant institutional and national requirements. The Fellow will also be expected to ensure that fieldwork is conducted professionally and respectfully, with appropriate consideration of local institutional, cultural and community contexts.
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
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