Pre-doctoral Fellow in Economics and Applied Machine Learning with a Focus on Developing Countries -70%
Universität Zürich
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Department of Economics
Pre-doctoral Fellow in Economics and Applied Machine Learning with a Focus on Developing Countries 70 %
Start of employment flexible between June and October 2025, temporary
The Economics Department, University of Zurich (Prof. David Yanagizawa-Drott), has openings for full-time pre-doctoral
Research Fellows. The positions are for two years, with a flexible start date between June and October 2025. Successful
applicants will work on cutting-edge research exploring the role of AI technologies in lower-middle-income countries,
with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa (Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya).
Your responsibilities
The position offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in empirical research at the intersection of economics,
development, and applied machine learning. Your responsibilities will include conducting field research in Sub-Saharan
Africa (data collection and analysis), cleaning and analyzing large datasets using statistical software (STATA, R,
Python), applying machine learning techniques (e.g., supervised and reinforcement learning) to economic research
questions, and collaborating with Professor Yanagizawa-Drott and his team to develop and publish findings.
Your profile
The positions are well-suited for BA or Master's program graduates who want to gain research experience before
entering a PhD program and are willing to spend an extensive amount of time in the field in Ghana, Tanzania and other
countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Non-EU/EFTA applicants should have a minimum of a Master's degree.
We are seeking candidates for two tracks:
a) Economics Track: Ideal candidates will have a major in Economics, a strong quantitative background, and some
coursework in machine learning (ML) or a strong interest in learning more about ML and LLMs. Experience working in
developing countries is an advantage but not a requirement.
b) Applied ML Track: Ideal candidates will have a major in computer science, experience in supervised ML and
reinforcement learning, and coursework in economics.
Requirements
- University degree in a relevant discipline (economics, computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics).
- Postgraduate qualifications (MA/MSc/MPhil) or a BA with an outstanding academic record (for.
- Excellent research and analytical skills.
- Proficiency in STATA, R, or Python is preferred.
- Demonstrable experience with reinforcement learning and supervised ML (for the applied ML track).
Information on your application
Applications should be submitted via the UZH jobs portal. You should submit the following documents in .pdf format:
1. A cover letter outlining your interest, the track you are applying for (clearly indicated in bold at the top of the
letter - if applying for both tracks, write "Economics and ML Track" and submit only one application), available start
dates, familiarity with programming languages, prior research experience, experience working in developing countries,
and, if applicable, a written confirmation of EU citizenship for applicants with only a Bachelor's degree.
2. An up-to-date CV.
3. Contact information (names, email addresses, and phone numbers) for two referees.
4. Further Documents: A writing sample (your thesis or a course assignment) together with your transcript and a coding
sample in one pdf.
Due to a high volume of applications received, we are unable to contact each applicant individually regarding the
status of their application.
For further information about our research and the Department of Economics please see: yanagizawadrott.com and
socialcatalystlab.org or email us at SCL@econ.uzh.ch.
What we offer
Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. More
What we offer
Work-Life Balance
- Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
- Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH
More Learning and Development
- Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
- Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich
More Food
- Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
- Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution
More Healthcare
- Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
- Free seasonal flu vaccinations
- Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower
More Discounts
- Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
- Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
- Special conditions on hotel reservations
More Conditions of Employment
- Policies of the UZH
- Most UZH staff are employed according to public law
More International Services
- Support for people from outside Switzerland
More Campuses
- Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
- Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg
More
Location
Department of Economics
Schönberggasse 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Further information
Questions about the job
Prof. Yanagizawa-DrottProfessor Contact Form
Contact question to: Prof. Yanagizawa-Drott
Your Name *Your Mail Address *Your question *I accept the privacy policySend Thank you for your message. We will get
back to you shortly. Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject
areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the
University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent
and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/explore/work.html
Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject
areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the
University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent
and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More
Pre-doctoral Fellow in Economics and Applied Machine Learning with a Focus on Developing Countries 70 %
Start of employment flexible between June and October 2025, temporary
The Economics Department, University of Zurich (Prof. David Yanagizawa-Drott), has openings for full-time pre-doctoral
Research Fellows. The positions are for two years, with a flexible start date between June and October 2025. Successful
applicants will work on cutting-edge research exploring the role of AI technologies in lower-middle-income countries,
with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa (Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya).
Your responsibilities
The position offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in empirical research at the intersection of economics,
development, and applied machine learning. Your responsibilities will include conducting field research in Sub-Saharan
Africa (data collection and analysis), cleaning and analyzing large datasets using statistical software (STATA, R,
Python), applying machine learning techniques (e.g., supervised and reinforcement learning) to economic research
questions, and collaborating with Professor Yanagizawa-Drott and his team to develop and publish findings.
Your profile
The positions are well-suited for BA or Master's program graduates who want to gain research experience before
entering a PhD program and are willing to spend an extensive amount of time in the field in Ghana, Tanzania and other
countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Non-EU/EFTA applicants should have a minimum of a Master's degree.
We are seeking candidates for two tracks:
a) Economics Track: Ideal candidates will have a major in Economics, a strong quantitative background, and some
coursework in machine learning (ML) or a strong interest in learning more about ML and LLMs. Experience working in
developing countries is an advantage but not a requirement.
b) Applied ML Track: Ideal candidates will have a major in computer science, experience in supervised ML and
reinforcement learning, and coursework in economics.
Requirements
- University degree in a relevant discipline (economics, computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics).
- Postgraduate qualifications (MA/MSc/MPhil) or a BA with an outstanding academic record (for.
- Excellent research and analytical skills.
- Proficiency in STATA, R, or Python is preferred.
- Demonstrable experience with reinforcement learning and supervised ML (for the applied ML track).
Information on your application
Applications should be submitted via the UZH jobs portal. You should submit the following documents in .pdf format:
1. A cover letter outlining your interest, the track you are applying for (clearly indicated in bold at the top of the
letter - if applying for both tracks, write "Economics and ML Track" and submit only one application), available start
dates, familiarity with programming languages, prior research experience, experience working in developing countries,
and, if applicable, a written confirmation of EU citizenship for applicants with only a Bachelor's degree.
2. An up-to-date CV.
3. Contact information (names, email addresses, and phone numbers) for two referees.
4. Further Documents: A writing sample (your thesis or a course assignment) together with your transcript and a coding
sample in one pdf.
Due to a high volume of applications received, we are unable to contact each applicant individually regarding the
status of their application.
For further information about our research and the Department of Economics please see: yanagizawadrott.com and
socialcatalystlab.org or email us at SCL@econ.uzh.ch.
What we offer
Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. More
What we offer
Work-Life Balance
- Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
- Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH
More Learning and Development
- Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
- Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich
More Food
- Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
- Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution
More Healthcare
- Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
- Free seasonal flu vaccinations
- Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower
More Discounts
- Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
- Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
- Special conditions on hotel reservations
More Conditions of Employment
- Policies of the UZH
- Most UZH staff are employed according to public law
More International Services
- Support for people from outside Switzerland
More Campuses
- Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
- Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg
More
Location
Department of Economics
Schönberggasse 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Further information
Questions about the job
Prof. Yanagizawa-DrottProfessor Contact Form
Contact question to: Prof. Yanagizawa-Drott
Your Name *Your Mail Address *Your question *I accept the privacy policySend Thank you for your message. We will get
back to you shortly. Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject
areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the
University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent
and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/explore/work.html
Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject
areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the
University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent
and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More