Assistant/Associate Project Scientist - Center for Effective Global Action

The Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) is a hub for research, training and innovation headquartered at the University of California, Berkeley. We generate insights that decision-makers can use to improve policies, programs, and people’s lives. Our best-in-class academic network includes nearly 200 faculty, 85 scholars from low- and middle- income countries (LMICs)—primarily from East and West Africa—and hundreds of graduate students from diverse academic disciplines who produce rigorous evidence about what works to expand education, health and economic opportunities for people living in poverty. Our business model involves curating policy-relevant research agendas in collaboration with development leaders, overseeing competitive grant-making to answer critical questions, investing in research capacity, and strategically connecting research and ideas to inform decision-making by governments, NGOs, and the private sector.
The Assistant/Associate Project Scientist position will work closely with faculty and apply significant contributions and statistical expertise to economics research projects that cross cut multiple social science disciplines. They will collaborate on all aspects of Berkeley Initiative for Transparency in the Social Sciences, including the design, analysis and management of data collection. II particular, they will lead research on using Large Language Models (LLMs) to extract metadata and treatment effect data from papers. The position will involve collaborations with outside researchers to validate findings using LLM-extracted and the development of academic papers sharing project findings also develop statistical models and analyses using Stata, SAS, R, and other software packages, and publish resulting findings. They will also provide oversight, mentoring and advising to Berkeley Initiative for Transparency in the Social Sciences training attendees, CEGA fellows, and graduate students—as well as staff research assistants—on research design, methods, analysis, and management with a goal of improving research transparency and credibility, and cultivating research and policy partnerships. The Assistant/Associate Project Scientist will work with the Berkeley Initiative for Transparency in the Social SciencesProgram Manager and CEGA leadership to develop strong relationships with organizations providing research support and analysis, and provide oversight and advice to these organizations in meeting the objectives of the research agenda, including facilitating the use of evidence among key stakeholders. Other key responsibilities include: managing data-centric components (including analysis, review and technical assistance) for collaborative research projects and case studies, including developing work plans and timelines to ensure that deliverables are completed on schedule; authoring research papers using empirical approaches and disseminating findings/best practices to academics, donors and policymakers through meetings and presentations; contributing to grant proposals, progress reports for current funding sources, and strategic planning and partnership development with relevant efforts relevant to the PI's goals and make significant and creative contributions to research projects that they lead.

Department
:
https://cega.berkeley.edu/

Basic qualifications
(required at time of application)
PhD or equivalent international degree or enrolled in a PhD or equivalent international degree program.

Additional qualifications
(required at time of start)
PhD or equivalent international degree

Preferred qualifications
PhD (or equivalent) in Policy Analysis, Economics, or a related field.
3–5 years of experience conducting empirical research, including data collection, data management, and analysis.
3–5 years of experience and demonstrated competency with statistical software packages such as Stata, SAS, and R, with the ability to conduct accurate statistical analyses.
1–3 years of experience working with academics, policymakers, donors, and/or research institutions on research projects and evidence-based decision-making.
Understanding of key issues related to conducting field research in low- and middle-income countries.
Experience designing and implementing data collection instruments and managing data-centric research activities.
Experience providing support, oversight, and mentoring to research assistants, graduate students, or research trainees.
Ability to independently investigate and resolve technical and research-related issues.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate complex scientific, research, and technical material into accessible language for broad, non-technical audiences.
Specialization in causal inference, applied microeconomics, research design, and/or program evaluation.
Experience applying machine-learning methods, including Large Language Models (LLMs), to research.
Experience applying data-transparency tools and techniques, including study registries, pre-analysis plans, open-data platforms, and disclosure of research methods and results.
Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, researchers, and external partners on interdisciplinary research projects.

Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Research Statement - Please discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive research practices that promote the excellence of your research, and areas for future research.
Reference requirements
3 required (contact information only)
Apply link:
https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05552

Help contact:
sabrinaspatny@berkeley.edu