Department of Economics
Pre-doctoral Fellow in Economics and Applied Machine Learning with a Focus on Developing Countries 70 %
Start of employment flexible between May and September 2026, temporaryThe Economics Department, University of Zurich (Prof. David Yanagizawa-Drott), has openings for full-time pre-doctoral Research Fellows. The positions are for two years, with a flexible start date between May and September 2026 (although an early start date is strongly preferred). Successful applicants will work on cutting-edge research exploring the role of AI technologies in lower-middle-income countries, with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa (Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya).
Your responsibilities
The position offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in empirical research at the intersection of economics, development, and applied machine learning. Your responsibilities will include conducting field research in Sub-Saharan Africa (data collection and analysis), cleaning and analyzing large datasets using statistical software (Stata, R, Python), applying machine learning techniques (e.g., supervised and reinforcement learning) to economic research questions, and collaborating with Professor Yanagizawa-Drott and his team to develop and publish findings.
Your profile
The positions are well-suited for BA or Master's program graduates who want to gain research experience before entering a PhD program and are willing to spend extended periods conducting fieldwork in Ghana, Tanzania, and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Non-EU/EFTA applicants should have a minimum of a Master's degree.
Ideal candidates will have a major in Economics (and ideally, a minor in data science or similar), a strong quantitative background, and some coursework in machine learning (ML) or a strong interest in learning more about ML and LLMs. Experience working in developing countries is an advantage, but not a requirement.
Requirements
Ideal candidates will have a major in Economics (and ideally, a minor in data science or similar), a strong quantitative background, and some coursework in machine learning (ML) or a strong interest in learning more about ML and LLMs. Experience working in developing countries is an advantage, but not a requirement.
Requirements
- University degree in a relevant discipline (economics, computer science, mathematics)
- Postgraduate qualifications (MA/MSc/MPhil) or a BA with an outstanding academic record
- Excellent research and analytical skills
- Proficiency in Stata, R, or Python is preferred
- Demonstrable experience with machine learning techniques (particularly the understanding and application of LLMs)
Information on your application
Applications should be submitted via the UZH jobs portal. You should submit the following documents in .pdf format:- A cover letter outlining your interest, available start dates, familiarity with programming languages, prior research experience, experience working in developing countries, and, if applicable, a written confirmation of EU citizenship for applicants with only a Bachelor's degree
- An up-to-date CV
- Contact information (names, email addresses, and phone numbers) for two referees
- Further Documents: A writing sample (your thesis or a course assignment) together with your transcript and a coding sample in one pdf
Due to a high volume of applications received, we are unable to contact each applicant individually regarding the status of their application.
For further information about our research and the Department of Economics please see: https://yanagizawadrott.com and https://socialcatalystlab.org or email us at SCL@econ.uzh.ch
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Prof. Yanagizawa-Drott Professor of Development and Emerging MarketsAffiliated Professor at the UBS Center
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Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html
Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html
Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
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