Uppsala University is inviting applications for a Research Assistant position within its Department of Economics. The full-time opportunity is based in Uppsala, Sweden, and offers an opportunity for a quantitatively oriented researcher to contribute to two research projects examining macroeconomic developments, high-dimensional heterogeneity, structural transformation and the economic effects of artificial intelligence.
The position is particularly suited to candidates with a background in economics, statistics, computer science, engineering or another quantitatively focused discipline, combined with programming and data-analysis skills.
About the Department of Economics
The Department of Economics is one of the largest departments within Uppsala University’s Faculty of Social Sciences, with approximately 100 employees representing around a dozen countries. The department provides education at undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels, with approximately 1,000 students participating in its programmes and courses each year.
Its research covers several major areas, including labour economics, macroeconomics, political economics and public economics. Researchers regularly contribute expertise to government, engage with policymakers and participate in public discussions on important economic and social issues.
Research Projects and Responsibilities
The Research Assistant will divide their work between two projects: MacH2M, which examines the macroeconomy and high-dimensional heterogeneity at the micro level, and a research project investigating the economic effects of artificial intelligence.
A significant component of the position will involve processing, managing and analysing large microdata sets. The successful candidate will also use programming languages and statistical tools to support research activities and develop analytical frameworks.
Within the MacH2M project, the Research Assistant will primarily work with microdata using programming languages, particularly STATA. One responsibility will involve using SAS to run exercises in the FASIT microsimulation model developed by Statistics Sweden. Some documentation and existing code for this work are in Swedish, while much of the remaining research can be conducted in English.
The AI economics project involves collaboration with the Swedish Agency for Growth Policy Analysis and potentially other government agencies. It focuses on understanding structural transformation and other economic processes as they occur. Under the supervision of a research group at Uppsala University, the Research Assistant will contribute to developing and updating analytical frameworks used to study these processes.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree with a strong quantitative focus. Relevant academic backgrounds include:
• Economics
• Statistics
• Computer science
• Engineering
• Other closely related quantitative disciplines
Candidates must also have programming experience, such as proficiency in Python or a comparable programming language. Strong spoken and written English skills are required.
Uppsala University places considerable importance on personal qualities. Applicants should demonstrate strong collaboration skills, attention to detail and a structured approach to research and analytical work.
Additional Qualifications
A master’s degree, or current enrolment in a master’s programme, in a relevant quantitative field will be considered an advantage. Experience working with and analysing large datasets, particularly microdata, is also desirable.
Knowledge of Swedish, both written and spoken, is an additional advantage because some of the documentation and existing programming materials used in the research work are in Swedish.
Employment Details
The position is a 100% full-time, special fixed-term appointment ending on 15 June 2027. The expected starting date is 21 September 2026, or another date agreed upon with the university.
The position is based at the Department of Economics in Uppsala, Sweden, and one Research Assistant position is available.
Reference number: UFV-PA 2026/2529
Application deadline: 8 September 2026
Location: Uppsala, Sweden
Employment level: 100% full time
Contract: Special fixed-term employment
Positions available: 1
Application Requirements
Applicants should submit a complete application through Uppsala University’s recruitment system. The application should include:
• A current CV
• A personal letter explaining the candidate’s suitability for the position
• A degree certificate or other documentation demonstrating equivalent qualifications
Applicants should ensure that their documents clearly demonstrate their academic background, quantitative capabilities, programming experience and relevant research or data-analysis skills.
The appointment may be subject to security vetting. Where such vetting is conducted, the applicant must successfully pass the process to be eligible for employment.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
The position offers an opportunity to gain research experience within a major European research university while working with large-scale microdata and advanced quantitative methods. The successful candidate will also gain exposure to research involving artificial intelligence, microsimulation, macroeconomics and structural economic change.
The international environment of Uppsala University provides opportunities to collaborate with researchers and external institutions, including government agencies. The role may therefore be particularly valuable for candidates considering future careers in academic research, economic policy, data science, quantitative economics or public-sector analysis.
Uppsala University is internationally recognised for its research and education and has thousands of employees and students across its academic community. It has also received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research acknowledgement, reflecting its commitment to a supportive and stimulating research environment.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates should prepare the required documents and submit their applications through the university’s official recruitment system before 8 September 2026. The vacancy reference UFV-PA 2026/2529 should be used when identifying the position.
For further information about the position, candidates may contact Professor Karl Walentin at karl.walentin@nek.uu.se or by telephone at +46 (0)73-469 74 82.
Uppsala University encourages qualified candidates with strong quantitative, programming and analytical backgrounds to consider this research opportunity.
