Researchers with expertise in economics, public policy, development studies, and impact evaluation have an exciting opportunity to join Good Business Lab (GBL) as a Research Fellow.
The organization is recruiting an experienced researcher to provide technical leadership across multiple research projects focused on improving worker wellbeing while generating positive business outcomes.
The position is a two-year fixed-term appointment based in India (Remote), with flexibility to work from Bengaluru or Delhi and travel to project sites when required. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, making it advisable for interested candidates to apply as early as possible.
This role offers an opportunity to contribute to high-impact research at the intersection of labor markets, climate, gender, livelihoods, workplace wellbeing, and economic development while collaborating with internationally recognized academics and industry leaders.
About Good Business Lab
Good Business Lab (GBL) is an independent, non-profit labor innovation and research organization that uses rigorous evidence to demonstrate how investments in worker wellbeing can improve business performance.
The organization combines academic research with practical innovation to design scalable solutions that benefit both workers and businesses. Its mission is to transform the way companies think about labor by showing that employee wellbeing is not merely a social responsibility initiative but a core business strategy.
GBL was founded by leading academics and industry experts, including:
- Ach Adhvaryu, Professor of Economics and Director of the 21st Century India Center at the University of California San Diego
- Anant Ahuja, Director of ESG and Sustainability at Shahi Exports
- Anant Nyshadham, Associate Professor at the University of Michigan
Their work has influenced businesses, policymakers, and development organizations seeking evidence-based approaches to improving working conditions globally.
About the Research Fellow Position
The Research Fellow will join a team of Principal Investigators (PIs) to provide technical leadership across three to four ongoing research projects, while also helping develop new studies aligned with GBL’s mission.
The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Research Managers, who oversee daily project management, while leading the scientific and technical aspects of research design, implementation, and analysis.
The projects span several thematic areas including:
- Gender
- Climate
- Health
- Livelihoods
- Workplace wellbeing
- Labor markets
- Economic development
The position is ideal for researchers who enjoy combining rigorous academic methods with practical policy applications.
Key Responsibilities
The majority of the role involves leading the technical design and implementation of research projects.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Designing rigorous research studies
- Developing research questions
- Creating pre-analysis plans
- Designing measurement strategies
- Preparing statistical analysis plans
- Ensuring research quality throughout project implementation
- Monitoring data quality
- Managing methodological changes when necessary
- Identifying project risks and mitigation strategies
- Developing new research ideas
- Preparing grant proposals
- Supporting fundraising initiatives
- Collaborating with implementation partners
- Advising firm partners and research collaborators
- Writing academic papers
- Preparing technical reports for donors
The Research Fellow will also mentor junior researchers and contribute to organizational learning.
Additional Responsibilities
Beyond research leadership, the successful candidate will:
- Mentor Research Managers and Research Associates
- Conduct internal research training sessions
- Improve organizational systems and processes
- Contribute blog articles and communication materials
- Represent GBL at conferences and stakeholder meetings
- Deliver technical presentations
- Support institutional growth and innovation
Who Should Apply?
GBL is looking for experienced researchers with strong quantitative and field research expertise.
Applicants should possess:
- A PhD (or submitted dissertation) in Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, or a related discipline
- Experience conducting Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
- Experience with quasi-experimental research methods
- Strong quantitative analytical skills
- Experience working with large datasets
- Experience supervising field research
- Survey design and implementation experience
- Grant writing experience
- Strong academic writing skills
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities
Experience working in low- and middle-income countries is considered highly desirable.
Candidates should also be willing to travel for fieldwork when necessary.
Preferred Skills
Successful applicants will demonstrate the ability to:
- Work independently
- Lead multidisciplinary teams
- Manage multiple research projects simultaneously
- Solve complex problems under pressure
- Adapt to dynamic research environments
- Build collaborative partnerships
- Translate research findings into practical recommendations
The role requires both technical excellence and strong interpersonal skills.
Employment Details
Position: Research Fellow
Organization: Good Business Lab
Location: India (Remote) with Bengaluru/Delhi base
Employment Type: Fixed-Term
Contract Duration: Two years
Commitment: Minimum one year
Experience Level: Experienced
Start Date: As soon as possible
Application Review: Rolling basis
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the following:
- Updated CV
- Cover Letter
- Research Statement outlining their research agenda
- One academic paper or PhD chapter (preferably solo-authored)
The Research Statement should be emailed to:
Applicants should use the subject line:
Application for Research Fellow
Recruitment Process
The recruitment process typically takes between two and four weeks and includes:
- Screening of CV, cover letter, and research statement
- Interview with the hiring lead
- Research presentation
- Final interview
Candidates may also be assessed on their research experience, analytical capabilities, and communication skills.
Why Join Good Business Lab?
Working at GBL provides an opportunity to influence policy and business practices through rigorous evidence.
Researchers will benefit from:
- Collaboration with internationally renowned academics
- High-impact research projects
- Opportunities to publish academic work
- Mentorship and leadership experience
- Exposure to international development organizations
- Flexible remote working arrangements
- Professional development opportunities
- Diverse interdisciplinary collaborations
The organization also promotes an inclusive workplace and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the online application form and email their required documents to:
Subject: Application for Research Fellow
Application Link: https://gblhr.bamboohr.com/careers/207
Since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, early submission is strongly encouraged.
Opportunity Summary
Organization: Good Business Lab (GBL)
Position: Research Fellow
Location: India (Remote)
Duration: 2 Years
Employment Type: Fixed-Term
Experience Required: Experienced
Education: PhD or submitted dissertation
Fields:
- Economics
- Public Policy
- Development Studies
- Social Sciences
- Related disciplines
Key Skills:
- RCTs
- Impact Evaluation
- Data Analysis
- Research Design
- Grant Writing
- Academic Writing
Application Documents:
- CV
- Cover Letter
- Research Statement
- Academic Paper/PhD Chapter
Application Deadline: Rolling Applications
