The Initiative for Financial Decision-Making (IFDM) at the Stanford Graduate School of Business invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to work with Professor Annamaria Lusardi, the Initiative’s faculty director. This in-person position begins in summer 2027, no later than September 1, 2027. The initial appointment is for one year and may be renewed for a second year subject to performance at or above expectations. A two-year term is strongly preferred.
The fellowship focuses on empirical research in financial literacy and household financial decision-making. Although IFDM is a relatively new initiative, its work draws on more than a decade of research in this field by the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center (GFLEC), founded by Professor Lusardi. GFLEC has developed tools to measure financial literacy and conducted research that informs financial education programs in the United States and internationally. Over the past three years, IFDM has built on that foundation with research of its own on household financial decisions and financial education, expanding the scope of this shared research agenda.
The fellow will contribute to projects in three related areas:
• Household financial decisions: Study how financial literacy shapes saving, investing, and borrowing choices, and financial well-being outcomes, including how young adults begin investing and build wealth early in life. Projects may also examine how emerging financial products affect the allocation of savings across investments.
• Financial education programs: Evaluate the effects of financial education programs and initiatives on financial knowledge, behavior, and outcomes, including through field experiments.
• Financial education in schools and higher education: Study the availability of financial education courses and related offerings, and the factors shaping their supply and demand.
The fellow will develop academic research within this agenda and work with Professor Lusardi, IFDM’s research director and associate director, coauthors, PhD students, and other postdoctoral fellows. The role combines collaborative and independent research. The fellow will present research progress regularly to Initiative stakeholders and participate in meetings, research lunches, and colloquia. Participation in Stanford seminars and other events is encouraged.
Qualifications
Applicants must have a PhD in Economics or Finance conferred before the appointment begins. Selection will emphasize research excellence in household or personal finance or applied economics and a clear interest in IFDM’s research. Experience in household finance or program evaluation is preferred.
Application materials
For full consideration, submit the materials noted through the JOE Network at the American Economic Association. Proposals received by November 15, 2026 will receive full consideration.
International applicants may be sponsored for J-1 visas. Fellows eligible for OPT are encouraged to use it during the fellowship.
Application Requirements:
- Research statement describing past and planned research and interest in this position
- Letters of Reference
- Research Papers
- CV
To apply, visit https://www.aeaweb.org/joe/candidate. (See posting for details.)