Department of Economics
Pre-doctoral Fellow in Economics and Applied Machine Learning with a Focus on Developing Countries 70 %
Start of employment flexible between June and October 2025, 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 June and October 2025. 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 an extensive amount of time in the field in Ghana, Tanzania and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Non-EU/EFTA applicants should have a minimum of a Master's degree.
We are seeking candidates for two tracks:
a) Economics Track: Ideal candidates will have a major in Economics, 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.
b) Applied ML Track: Ideal candidates will have a major in computer science, experience in supervised ML and reinforcement learning, and coursework in economics.
Requirements
We are seeking candidates for two tracks:
a) Economics Track: Ideal candidates will have a major in Economics, 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.
b) Applied ML Track: Ideal candidates will have a major in computer science, experience in supervised ML and reinforcement learning, and coursework in economics.
Requirements
- University degree in a relevant discipline (economics, computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics).
- Postgraduate qualifications (MA/MSc/MPhil) or a BA with an outstanding academic record (for.
- Excellent research and analytical skills.
- Proficiency in STATA, R, or Python is preferred.
- Demonstrable experience with reinforcement learning and supervised ML (for the applied ML track).
Information on your application
Applications should be submitted via the UZH jobs portal. You should submit the following documents in .pdf format:1. A cover letter outlining your interest, the track you are applying for (clearly indicated in bold at the top of the letter - if applying for both tracks, write "Economics and ML Track" and submit only one application), 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.
2. An up-to-date CV.
3. Contact information (names, email addresses, and phone numbers) for two referees.
4. 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: yanagizawadrott.com and socialcatalystlab.org or email us at SCL@econ.uzh.ch.
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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/cmsssl/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/cmsssl/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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