The Barcelona School of Economics (BSE) has announced applications for at least two full-time Pre-Doctoral Research Associate positions under the European Research Council (ERC)-funded Optimal Immigration Policy (OPIMPOL) project. The positions provide an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers with strong quantitative and programming skills to contribute to cutting-edge research on immigration policy, labour economics, and human capital development.
Hosted at the Institute for Economic Analysis (IAE-CSIC) on the Bellaterra campus in Barcelona, Spain, the positions will commence on 1 September 2026, with applications closing on 15 July 2026.
Opportunity to Contribute to Groundbreaking Immigration Policy Research
The OPIMPOL project seeks to develop innovative frameworks for designing effective immigration policies while evaluating their economic and social impacts. The research focuses on several key policy areas, including optimal visa allocation, redistribution policies, and the relationship between immigration and human capital accumulation.
In addition to analysing immigration outcomes in destination countries, the project will also examine how immigration policies affect countries of origin and explore policy solutions to mitigate any adverse impacts.
The selected Research Associates will work under the supervision of Professor Joan Llull, the Principal Investigator of the project, while becoming active members of the vibrant academic community at the Barcelona School of Economics.
About the Position
The appointment offers an excellent pathway for individuals considering doctoral studies or research careers in economics.
Position Details
- Position: Pre-Doctoral Research Associate (Minimum of two positions)
- Organisation: Barcelona School of Economics (BSE)
- Research Project: Optimal Immigration Policy (OPIMPOL)
- Research Field: Economics – Labour Economics
- Location: Bellaterra Campus, Barcelona, Spain
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Contract Type: Temporary
- Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
- Start Date: 1 September 2026
- Application Deadline: 15 July 2026
- Funding: European Research Council (ERC) – Horizon Europe
Research Responsibilities
Successful candidates will support various components of the OPIMPOL project, including research, data management, and quantitative modelling.
Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing and managing research datasets.
- Coding and programming for empirical analysis.
- Estimating structural economic models.
- Conducting literature reviews and policy research.
- Participating in model simulations where appropriate.
- Collaborating with project researchers and co-authors.
- Supporting discussions on research design and implementation.
The role offers practical exposure to advanced economic research methods and quantitative policy analysis.
Candidate Profile
The Barcelona School of Economics is seeking highly motivated candidates with strong analytical capabilities and a keen interest in migration economics and structural modelling.
Applicants should possess:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- Strong analytical and computational skills.
- Demonstrated research experience.
- Solid knowledge of economics, particularly labour economics.
- Excellent programming skills.
Experience with Stata is considered essential, while familiarity with Fortran or other programming languages that facilitate learning Fortran will be viewed as a significant advantage.
Desired Skills and Competencies
The successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities.
- A collaborative and collegial approach to teamwork.
- High levels of self-motivation and initiative.
- Ability to learn new programming languages quickly.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
Candidates with one to four years of research experience are encouraged to apply.
Salary and Benefits
The Research Associate positions provide a supportive academic environment designed to foster professional growth and research excellence.
Successful applicants will receive:
- An annual gross salary of €22,161.96.
- A dynamic research and learning environment.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Opportunities to engage with internationally recognised researchers and academic networks.
The positions also provide valuable preparation for future doctoral studies and research careers in economics and public policy.
Application Requirements
Interested applicants must complete the online application process before 15 July 2026.
Applicants are required to submit:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Most recent academic transcript.
- Motivation letter.
- Representative sample of Stata code.
- Sample code from other programming languages (where applicable).
Candidates must also arrange for two referees to submit recommendation letters before the application deadline.
The Barcelona School of Economics emphasises that submitted code samples must be the applicant’s original work and must not be AI-generated.
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:
- Programming skills – 40%
- Relevant experience – 30%
- Qualifications and knowledge of the research area – 30%
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in an online interview, and referees may be contacted before or after the interview stage.
Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 75 points to be considered for appointment.
Successful candidates will subsequently provide the documentation necessary for employment, including identification, social security information, and work authorization where applicable.
Advancing Research on Global Migration Policy
The OPIMPOL project represents an important contribution to evidence-based policymaking by examining how immigration policies influence labour markets, economic development, and human capital across countries.
For aspiring economists with strong quantitative skills and an interest in migration research, these positions offer an exceptional opportunity to work on an ERC-funded project while gaining valuable experience within one of Europe’s leading economics research institutions.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the 15 July 2026 deadline.
