Policy Research Fellowships

We are no longer accepting applications for this position.

Our dynamic, cross-disciplinary group of researchers studies economic growth and structural change to better understand the obstacles to economic development and the most effective policy responses. As part of its mission, the Growth Lab applies its research capabilities to real-world policy engagements, informing policymakers’ initiatives to overcome their most pressing economic challenges.

Position Summary
The Growth Lab Policy Research Fellowship is an exciting and challenging role that offers a unique opportunity to work on the frontier of economic research and apply findings to address real-world development problems. Under the guidance of Professor Ricardo Hausmann, affiliated professors and senior researchers, Research Fellows contribute to the Lab’s core research agenda while collaborating with government leaders and development practitioners to inform policymaking through research-based insights.

The Growth Lab strives to provide a supportive and stimulating environment where Research Fellows can hone their analytical and policy skills through hands-on experience and mentoring from faculty and senior researchers.

We are looking for candidates with a strong background in one or several areas of economics (economic growth, international trade, macroeconomics, labor markets, innovation, green growth, applied econometrics and/or data science), as well as a deep interest in applied research, working in developing countries, and interacting with a multitude of collaborators in varying contexts and a fast-paced environment. This position is in-person based in Cambridge, MA. Fellowships are typically for one year with the possibility of renewal.

Policy Research Responsibilities

• Creatively contribute to the Growth Lab’s research agenda by identifying policy-relevant research questions, sourcing new datasets, proposing novel quantitative methods analyses, and visualizations.
• Lead the technical execution of research from analytical design to data collection, cleaning, data analysis, visualization, and interpretation of findings.
• Translate findings into policy by developing evidence-based recommendations and outputs that can inform policy decisions.
• Engage and collaborate closely with on-the-ground stakeholders in project locations, including travel to project sites as needed.
• Write research publications, including project reports, policy memos, presentations, and academic publications.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues and counterparts across the different Growth Lab’s research areas of interest.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Support the recruitment and mentoring of research assistants and student interns.
• Organize research presentations for conferences, Kennedy School seminars, and for meetings in the field and other settings.
• Build on existing programs, such as the “Growth Lab Development Talks,” by identifying and inviting potential speakers.
• Contribute to knowledge management, diffusion, and outreach.
• Identify and expand internships and learning opportunities for students at Harvard, with particular focus on the Kennedy School.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in economics, public policy, international development, statistics, business administration, or a related field (expected graduation in Spring 2026 or already graduated).
• Proficiency in statistical software (Stata, R, and/or Python).
• Excellent judgment in problem-solving and decision-making.
• Strong ability to initiate, foster, and maintain relationships through regular interaction with faculty, leaders in the public and private sectors, students, and other stakeholders that could contribute to the success of the lab.
• Flexibility, self-motivation, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, both individually and as a team member.
• Fluency and excellent communication skills in English, including the ability to present research and recommendations to senior officials and researchers, and to contribute significantly to the preparation of policy reports, policy memos, academic publications, or others.
• Minimum 3 years of directly related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the Growth Lab’s work on economic growth, growth diagnostics, Economic Complexity, and/or green growth.
• Experience working with public officials and civil servants (e.g., through work in government, multilateral development banks, or a consulting/advisory environment).
• Prior experience conducting research on or living in developing countries.
• Flexibility to travel.
• Proficiency in Spanish, French, or Arabic is a plus.

Learn More
Review our Policy Research page to better understand the types of projects Growth Lab Research Fellows work on. Watch, Joining the Growth Lab: A Behind-the-Scenes Look, to get a sense of what the role entails beyond contributing to applied research projects.

How to Apply
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until January 15^th, 2026. To apply, please submit your CV, a cover letter, transcripts for all degrees (undergraduate and graduate), and a brief (1-2 pages) writing sample on a policy issue (preferably a short-form document, e.g., a policy memo). No submissions will be considered without all the required documents.

Selected candidates will participate in at least three rounds of interviews. We expect the first round to take place in January/February 2026, with job offers extended by March/April 2026.

The Growth Lab is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.