Research Associate
We invite applications for the position of Research Associate to work on the project “Connectivity and Women’s Outcomes in Rural India”
Details
Project title: “Connectivity and Women’s Outcomes in Rural India”
Brief introduction about the topic
This project uses quasi-experimental methods to study the causal effects of rural road infrastructure on women’s economic and social outcomes in India. The research draws on large-scale administrative and survey datasets to examine how improved connectivity shapes labour market participation, mobility, and broader measures of well-being for women in rural areas.
You will learn:
- End-to-end research workflow: from raw administrative data to publication-ready outputs.
- Applied use of quasi-experimental methods in a real research project on gender and development.
- Engagement with the frontier of empirical development economics, including working closely with experienced researchers.
Responsibilities
● Clean, merge, and manage large administrative, and survey datasets using Stata and/or R.
● Construct analysis-ready panel datasets from multiple data sources, including geographic and census records.
● Implement causal inference estimators (difference-in-differences, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity) under the direction of the PIs.
● Conduct literature reviews and summarise findings in structured notes and memos.
● Produce tables, figures, and descriptive statistics for working papers and presentations.
● Assist with data documentation, codebooks, and replication materials.
● Coordinate data acquisition, including liaising with data providers where required.
● Support preparation of research outputs including presentations, policy briefs, and manuscript drafts.
- Master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Statistics, or a related field or a Bachelor’s degree with at least one year of relevant research experience.
- Proficiency in Stata; familiarity with R or Python is a plus.
- Strong quantitative background with understanding of microeconomic theory and applied econometrics.
- Experience working with large datasets and administrative data.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
Preferred Skills:
- Prior experience with development economics research, particularly in the Indian context.
- Familiarity with GIS tools or spatial data analysis.
- Experience with causal inference methods (DiD, IV, RD) in applied research settings.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines in a remote or hybrid setting.
To apply, please fill out the application form at: Form
The form will ask for:
● CV
● Code sample
● A brief statement (300 – 500 words) describing your research experience and interest in this project
For queries only (not applications), email: garima.agarwal@apu.edu.in and Indulekha.guha@apu.edu.in with the subject line “Application for the Research Associate Position for Connectivity and Women’s Outcomes”.