Princeton University’s Industrial Relations Section (IRS) is inviting applications for the Senior Research Specialist (Predoctoral Research Assistant) – AY28 position. This highly competitive opportunity is designed for recent graduates interested in gaining intensive research experience before pursuing graduate studies in economics, public policy, or related social sciences.
Based in Princeton, New Jersey, the position offers a salary of US$60,000–65,000, hands-on collaboration with leading economists, and professional development within one of the world’s premier research institutions. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with successful candidates expected to begin around 5 July 2027.
About the Predoctoral Research Program
The Industrial Relations Section is internationally recognised for research in labour economics, inequality, education, public economics, and applied econometrics. Rather than being assigned to a single faculty member throughout the appointment, Senior Research Specialists join a shared research pool and typically work with one or two faculty members, with assignments rotating each semester or annually.
This structure allows participants to develop expertise across diverse research topics, analytical methods, and quantitative tools while building strong mentoring relationships with distinguished Princeton faculty.
Current participating faculty include researchers such as Zachary Bleemer, Pauline Carry, Ellora Derenoncourt, Will Dobbie, Simon Jäger, David Lee, and Owen Zidar.
Position Benefits
The Senior Research Specialist role provides exceptional preparation for doctoral study and research careers.
Successful candidates will receive:
- Annual salary of US$60,000–65,000
- Full-time, in-person research appointment at Princeton University
- Mentorship from internationally recognised economists
- Opportunities to collaborate on high-impact academic research
- Professional development through conferences and research workshops
- Participation in a vibrant community of predoctoral researchers across Princeton
Although initially offered as a one-year appointment, candidates willing to commit to a second year will be strongly considered to support research continuity.
Key Responsibilities
Research specialists contribute to every stage of the research process while supporting faculty projects in labour economics and related fields.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Assembling and managing research datasets
- Processing and analysing survey and census data
- Supporting the design and implementation of surveys
- Conducting literature reviews and background research
- Writing research summaries and analytical reports
- Retrieving and organising information from online sources
- Supporting quantitative and econometric research projects
The role offers substantial experience in empirical social science research using large administrative and survey datasets.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have completed a BA or BS degree by Spring 2027 and possess strong quantitative and analytical skills.
Essential qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Mathematics, or a closely related discipline
- Significant coursework in economics, mathematics, and statistics
- Excellent research and academic writing abilities
- Knowledge of statistics and econometrics
- Proficiency in STATA statistical programming
Preferred qualifications include:
- Experience with Unix or Linux
- Familiarity with HTML and internet research tools
- Knowledge of social science or education-related datasets
Required Application Documents
Applicants must combine the following materials into one PDF and upload it to the “Other Documents” section of the online application:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts (official or unofficial)
- Writing sample
- Code sample in PDF format
- Names and contact details of three references
Preparing a well-organised single PDF is essential for eligibility.
Important Employment Information
The position is fully in-person and located in Princeton, New Jersey. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States.
Princeton notes that:
- The university is a limited E-Verify employer.
- OPT employment is acceptable for one year.
- The position is not eligible for a STEM OPT extension.
- International applicants requiring long-term work authorisation should review their eligibility before applying.
- Relocation expenses are the responsibility of the successful candidate.
Information Session
Prospective applicants can attend an online information session hosted by current Senior Research Specialists.
Date: 25 September 2026
Time: 1:30–2:30 p.m. Eastern Time
The session includes an overview of the programme, frequently asked questions, and a live Q&A with current research staff. Applicants unable to attend may request access to the recorded overview.
Why This Opportunity Is Valuable
Princeton’s Senior Research Specialist programme is widely regarded as one of the leading predoctoral research opportunities in economics. Fellows gain practical experience in applied econometrics, survey methodology, and policy research while working closely with faculty whose research influences public policy and academic scholarship worldwide.
For graduates planning to pursue a PhD in Economics or related quantitative social sciences, the programme offers outstanding research training, mentorship, and exposure to cutting-edge empirical methods.
Location: Princeton, New Jersey, USA
Start Date: Around 5 July 2027
Duration: One year (with strong preference for a two-year commitment)
Salary: US$60,000–65,000 per year
Application Review: Rolling basis
