IRiSS Predoctoral Researcher

The Stanford Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRiSS) is seeking Predoctoral Researchers to participate in our 2026-2027 cohort. The Predoctoral Researchers will work under general supervision of individual faculty in one of the following social science departments: communication, economics, political science, psychology, or sociology. Please see the "How to Apply" section below. The complete list of faculty mentors and Predoctoral Researcher projects for 2026-27 can be found on the program's website.

Predoctoral Researchers are in a staff category allowing them to enroll in one course per year for credit.

This is an 100% FTE 1-year fixed-term non-exempt position, with the possibility of renewal for a second year. The extension is based on renewed funding of the program and individual circumstances of each faculty project. The start date is September 14, 2026. This position will be based on the Stanford campus.

Project Description:

Tishara Garg, Place-based Industrial Policy and Development
This project studies how place-based industrial policy--such as government-promoted industrial parks and special economic zones--shapes economic development. In particular, it examines how these policies address market failures, including coordination failures in firms' investment decisions, urban congestion, and environmental externalities.

The research combines multiple data sources--census and survey data, infrastructure and land-lease records, and satellite imagery--with quasi-experimental methods. A central focus is understanding how variation in land pricing, infrastructure rollout, and policy guarantees affects the timing, location, and coordination of firm entry and investment.

Ideal candidates will have strong programming skills (R and/or Julia preferred), training in econometrics, statistics, or a quantitative social science, comfort working with data and willingness to engage with theory, and possess initiative, attention to detail, and genuine curiosity about economic questions.

What You Will Learn

The position offers rigorous, hands-on training in quantitative policy research in economics. You will gain experience in:

• Working with large-scale and high-dimensional datasets
• Data construction, including web scraping
• Spatial analysis (e.g., GIS/QGIS tools)
• Writing structured, reproducible, and version-controlled code
• Exposure to both empirical and, where relevant, structural and theoretical approaches
• Writing and presenting research outputs
• Close mentorship, including guidance on PhD applications

A central component of Professor Garg's mentorship philosophy is ensuring that the predoctoral researcher understands the broader intellectual motivation behind each task. You will be actively involved in discussions of research design, interpretation, and policy implications, with an emphasis on developing independent thinking and transferable research skills.

Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

CORE DUTIES:

• Participating in the planning and performing/conducting research tasks by applying basic knowledge and understanding of scientific theory using precedents or other published guidelines and knowledge of theory and methods when specific precedents do not exist. General instruction provided by the supervisor or principal investigator. May interpret study results in collaboration with supervisor or PI.
• Participate in the development and administration of survey instruments and rating scales requiring judgment in applying non-routine procedures or methods. Analyze and summarize results for review with supervisor. Audit the accuracy and validity of data
• Review and audit case report forms for completion and accuracy with source documents and ensure compliance with research protocols.
• Identify, select, extract and summarize data and structured information. Present summary of findings to supervisor.
• Conduct literature searches, and write literature summaries and manuscripts, requiring preliminary judgments after the supervisor outlines conceptual approach.
• Build and organize data as requested by principal investigator or supervisor; use common statistical programs requiring the application of job control language in generating and organizing data.
• Adapt new, nonstandard methods outlined by supervisor in designing and evaluating phases of research projects, (i.e., educational materials, questionnaires, strategies for recruitment, data quality control procedures and processes). May follow up with to ensure approvals and completion, seeking guidance where necessary.
• Assist with development, communication and design of research findings to internal and external audiences, which may include web updates, social media, and/or white papers, for use in recruitment, educational, or awareness of programs, with guidance from supervisor.

* Other duties may also be assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in an applicable life science, social science, physical science, or similar specific discipline. Degree must be received or expected no later than June 2026.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• General understanding of scientific theory and methods, typically gained through completion of an undergraduate degree in a related field.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with study participants.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• The ability to work independently and as a member of a research team
• The ability to take initiative and see projects through to completion
• Interest in and enthusiasm for pursuing graduate studies or a career in social science research

Please see the program webpage for additional information. This position begins September 14, 2026.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please ensure the file names of uploaded documents include your name: e.g. "LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_CV.pdf."

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the "Apply for Job" button. Submit the following via the Stanford Careers website:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV, or resume), including the names and contact information for 2 recommenders
• College transcript(s)
• Cover letter
• Optional writing sample
• Optional background information. IRiSS is committed to building a diverse and inclusive research community. We actively recruit and mentor researchers who bring a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to our academic disciplines and strengthen our ideas. If you would like to share additional information about your background, perspectives, or experiences, please attach it as a separate document.
• Please ensure your contact information is entered correctly in the application form.

Application Deadline: May 1, 2026