Working with Us: Policy Research Fellows

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.

The recruitment period at the Growth Lab is from November through January. However, we accept applications throughout the year, which our team evaluates on a rolling basis. Qualified candidates are contacted if a match is found. In rare instances, we will consider Visiting Policy Research Fellows.

Position Summary
The Growth Lab Research Fellowship is an exciting and challenging role that offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront 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 mentorship from faculty and senior researchers.

We look 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.

Policy Research Responsibilities

• Creatively contribute to the Growth Lab’s research agenda by identifying promising research questions, sourcing new datasets, proposing novel quantitative methods or suggesting specific analyses and visualizations.
• Advance the technical execution of research, from analytical design to data collection, data analysis, visualization, and the interpretation of research findings.
• Support the application of research findings to policy development. Communicate and collaborate closely with stakeholders in the field, including by traveling to project sites.
• Write research publications, including project reports, policy memos, presentations, and academic publications.
• Build and maintain networks and strong relationships with colleagues and other counterparts in the space of economic growth theory, network sciences, and industrial policy.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Support the recruitment and mentoring of research assistants.
• Organize the presentation of research from conferences to thematic presentations at the Kennedy Schools, in the field, or in other settings.
• Build upon 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 a particular focus on the Kennedy School.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in economics, public policy, international development, statistics, business administration, or a related field.
• 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, and flexibility to travel.
• Spanish, French, or Arabic language proficiency is a plus.

The Growth Lab is open to sponsoring visas for international candidates.

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
We invite candidates to submit a resume, cover letter, transcripts for all degrees (both undergraduate and graduate), and a brief writing sample (1-2 pages) on a policy issue (preferably in a short-form document, such as a policy memo).

Please send all documents to growthlab@hks.harvard.edu referencing Growth Lab Fellow [first and last name] in the subject line. In the body of your email, please indicate how you heard about the job posting (and the name of any referral), along with your earliest expected availability.

No applications will be considered without all the required documents.