Position: Jan Eeckhout is looking to hire a highly competent research assistant for a pre-doctoral position. The position is full time and will be based at Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain. The position starts in Fall 2021 (or at the latest, early 2022) for a duration of two years. The position is ideal for students with a long term interest in Economics and those who are looking for research experience in an academic setting prior to enrolling in a PhD in Economics.
Research Description: The research work is primarily concerned with the effect of market power on the labor market, as well as with search, matching and sorting theory applied to labor markets. The job duties of the research assistant include:
1. Advanced empirical work on the recent developments in the labor market. This would require collecting data, cleaning data and detailed data analysis using large data sets like the CPS, ACS, SIPP, LEHD and COMPUSTAT. Routine tasks would involve not only replication of findings in current literature but also using novel methodologies to establish new findings about the labor market.
2. Advanced computational work involving coding heterogeneous agent models and conducting estimation of key model parameters to match the moments in the data and test model predictions.
3. Theoretical modeling and knowledge of models of the labor market (search and matching) and market power are necessary to estimate and numerically solve these model economies.
4. Attention to detail and documenting the research tasks performed are a crucial part of the job. It is expected that the candidate conducts independent literature reviews and incorporates and adheres to state of the art empirical and computational standards.
Desired Qualifications:
1. Computational Aptitude: Given the type of work involved ideal candidates would have an exceptionally strong programming background. The candidate must possess experience working with MATLAB and Stata. In addition, working knowledge of R and Python along with knowledge of numerical optimization and estimation techniques is desirable.
2. Educational Background: Bachelors degree in Economics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics or related field. A masters degree in Economics, Computational Economics or a related field is a plus. An interest in theory is necessary.
3. Future Aspirations: An interest in pursuing a PhD in Economics or a related field is desirable. Prior exposure in the form of courses or research papers in the field of macro-labor or search and matching theory is an advantage.
Selection Procedure:
1. Stage 1: To apply please send your C.V and Cover letter (Max. 1 page) detailing your suitability for the job as a single pdf document to renjie.bao@upf.edu.
2. Stage 2: Shortlisted candidates may be asked for reference letters, perform a computational task and will be invited for a short skype interview.
The Deadline for Stage 1 is Sunday, 26th September, 2021.