Research Assistant (Fixed-Term Employment)

Main responsibilities
The Department of Economics at Stockholm University is looking to hire a full-time predoctoral research fellow for a period of 12 months to start from summer 2024 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 Associate 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 skills
• 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.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time position for 12 months starting from summer 2024 at the earliest. Salaries at Stockholm University are individually determined. Please indicate your requested salary. We can provide help and guidance with the work permit application for non-EU residents.

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 Associate Professor Andreas Madestam, telephone: +46 760 28 94 00, andreas.madestam@su.se.

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, and seko@seko.su.se (SEKO).

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 in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, 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.

You are welcome to apply!