The role

Paul Novosad, Professor at Dartmouth College, is hiring junior researchers (pre-docs) to work with the Development Data Lab team. DDL works at the intersection of economics and data science, using novel big data sources to produce cutting-edge research on major challenges in economic development, with a focus on cities in the Global South.

The position will be formally appointed through Dartmouth College. You will spend 50% of your time working with Prof. Novosad and Development Data Lab, and 50% working with Professor Mahounan Yedomiffi of Dartmouth College. Research with Novosad will focus on developing new data sources for understanding regulatory constraints on growth in cities in the developing world. Research with Yedomiffi will focus on field experimental work on K-12 schooling in West Africa.

This is an in-person position based in gorgeous Hanover, New Hampshire, where you will work with our fantastic community of pre-docs. The position begins on September 1, 2026. A two-year commitment is preferred. U.S. work permission is required. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Qualified candidates will have strong quantitative and computing skills, which could include Stata, Python, R, ArcGIS/QGIS, Linux, Git/GitHub, and other data management tools. Familiarity with some of these tools is essential, but the most important skill in 2026 is having an excellent head for data analysis and wrangling the latest AI tools to get things done. (We haven't yet met the candidate who can do great data work with AI and without the underlying code toolkit, but if this is you, we want to hear from you!)

You can learn more about Paul Novosad's research here, and Prof. Yedomiffi's research here.

What you’ll gain

Working with our team, you will learn cutting-edge methods in computer science, economics, and AI, along with big-data skills that are increasingly valuable in academic research but are not typically taught in economics departments. We give pre-docs room to develop their research skills and participate in projects at every stage. While coauthorship is not guaranteed, the majority of our pre-docs go on to author papers with us.

You will work closely with a team of pre-docs and data scientists, with regular tech talks, journal clubs, and other opportunities to grow as a researcher. The position has a strong track record of placements in top economics PhD programs, other leading graduate programs, and development institutions.

Dartmouth Economics additionally has a wonderful pre-doc community that gives you opportunities to attend seminars, get to know a lot of researchers, and take Dartmouth classes.

About DDL

We founded Development Data Lab on the idea that harnessing new streams of data can dramatically improve policy making and research in developing countries. Around the world, policy makers and researchers face a severe shortage of data for designing, implementing, and evaluating effective policies, despite the vast data streams created by government and private-sector processes. We need capable, motivated people to help us build an open data universe for development research—and use it to create better policy and a better society.

Requirements

• Excellent management and organizational skills, along with strong quantitative skills;
• A bachelor’s degree in science, computer science, economics, statistics, or a related field; candidates with a master’s degree will also be considered;
• Capability to get things done in Stata, Python, R, or an equivalent statistical programming language;
• Knowledge of GIS software and Linux systems is desirable but not required;
• Fluency and excellent communication skills in English;
• A flexible, self-motivated approach, the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a collaborative mindset;
• U.S. work authorization.

How to apply

Email your CV, transcript, writing sample, and code sample to careers@devdatalab.org. You may also include anything else that helps demonstrate what you can do. The best thing of all to have in your package is a portfolio of prior work: show us what you've built and are most proud of.

Apply by email