Senior Research Assistant Jobs in Behavioural Economics

🧠 Understanding Behavioural Economics and the Senior Research Assistant Role

A Senior Research Assistant in Behavioural Economics plays a pivotal role in advancing research that reveals how human behaviour deviates from classical economic models. Behavioural Economics, meaning the interdisciplinary field combining insights from psychology and economics to explain decision-making, has gained prominence since the 1970s with prospect theory developed by Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky. This position builds on the foundational Senior Research Assistant duties but specializes in applying concepts like cognitive biases—systematic errors in thinking affecting judgments—and nudges, subtle policy interventions to guide choices without restricting options.

For instance, a Senior Research Assistant might design lab experiments testing anchoring bias, where initial information overly influences estimates, or field studies on retirement savings influenced by default options, as popularized by Richard Thaler's work. These professionals contribute to real-world impacts, from government policies promoting healthy eating to financial regulations curbing overconfidence in investments.

📋 Key Responsibilities

Day-to-day tasks include conducting literature reviews on topics like hyperbolic discounting—preferring smaller immediate rewards over larger future ones—collecting data via surveys or eye-tracking technology, and performing econometric analyses. They often supervise junior staff, draft grant proposals for funding bodies like the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), and co-author papers submitted to journals such as the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization.

• Designing and running behavioural experiments in controlled settings.
• Analyzing qualitative and quantitative data using tools like MATLAB or Qualtrics.
• Collaborating with economists and psychologists on interdisciplinary projects.
• Presenting findings at conferences like the Behavioural Economics Annual Meeting.

🎓 Required Academic Qualifications and Expertise

Required academic qualifications typically include a PhD in a relevant field such as Economics, Behavioural Science, or Psychology, though exceptional candidates with a Master's and substantial publications may qualify. Research focus or expertise needed centers on behavioural experiments, game theory applications, or neuroeconomics, with a strong emphasis on understanding cultural variations in decision-making across global contexts.

Preferred experience encompasses 3-5 years in research roles, including at least two peer-reviewed publications and experience securing small grants. For example, prior work on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating nudge effectiveness in energy conservation is highly valued.

🛠️ Skills and Competencies

Essential skills and competencies include advanced statistical proficiency (e.g., regression discontinuity designs), ethical handling of human subjects data per IRB guidelines, and excellent writing for academic audiences. Soft skills like critical thinking to challenge assumptions of rationality and adaptability to evolving methodologies, such as machine learning for predicting biases, are crucial.

• Expertise in software: R, Python, Stata for data manipulation and visualization.
• Project management for multi-year studies.
• Interpersonal skills for team leadership and stakeholder engagement.

📚 Definitions

Cognitive Bias: A systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, such as confirmation bias where people favour information confirming preconceptions.

Nudge: Any aspect of choice architecture that alters behaviour predictably without forbidding options or changing economic incentives significantly.

Prospect Theory: A behavioural model describing decisions under risk, emphasizing loss aversion—losses loom larger than gains.

💡 Career Insights and Next Steps

The field has evolved rapidly, with Behavioural Economics influencing central banks like the Bank of England since 2010 through its Behavioural Economics Team. To thrive, aspiring professionals should gain hands-on experience via postdoctoral success strategies and refine applications using academic CV tips.

Explore a wide range of higher ed jobs, including faculty and research positions, or browse university jobs for openings. Job seekers can find tailored opportunities in research jobs and leverage higher ed career advice. Institutions looking to hire should consider post a job on AcademicJobs.com to attract top talent in Behavioural Economics.