Postdoctoral Researcher: Technology, Economics, and Development

NYU Africa House-Center for Technology, Economics, and Development (CTED) is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Researcher to support the Director, Professor Yaw Nyarko, for a one-year fixed term position. Professor Nyarko’s primary research interests include African economic development, artificial intelligence and technological adoption, and commodities markets. Primary duties will consist of conducting high-quality research suitable for publication in academic journals. Additional duties include providing support for ongoing projects, including: a multi-year study on the potential for blockchain to address market failures in rural credit markets; an international research consortium focused on scaling evidence-based technological innovations for agricultural systems, including livestock, using AI, digital advisory services, and weather forecasting to support smallholder farmers; and research on various dimensions of the United Arab Emirates’ economic history and structure.

The position is open to candidates with doctoral degrees in economics, mathematics, computer science, or closely related disciplines. The ideal candidate is a committed, responsible, highly motivated individual with a proven ability to work independently and effectively in a professional academic environment. Experience working with statistical software such as MATLAB, R, Stata or a similar program is required. Knowledge of randomized controlled trials, experience working with data from field surveys and previous experience supporting research in development economics contexts are all highly desirable.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the search is successful, with an anticipated start in August or September 2026.

NYU Africa House is devoted to the study of contemporary Africa, focusing on economic, political, and social issues on the continent and programs in the arts. Part of Africa House’s core mission is to advance the understanding of the links between Africa and the rest of the world, through social, historical, economic, and other lenses. Operating under the auspices of Africa House, CTED is dedicated to solving critical economic challenges in sub-Saharan Africa through innovative, technology-driven solutions. Issues such as missing markets for agricultural products, inefficient land administration, and limited financial access for smallholder farmers not only hinder the growth of the local economies but also deepen poverty and create systemic barriers to development. CTED’s long-term vision creates market-based and technological innovations to foster self-sustaining, competitive markets with the help of technology rather than perpetuating dependency on aid. CTED has branches at New York University Abu Dhabi (UAE) and New York (USA), Accra and Kumawu (Ghana), and at EBS Universität (Germany).

Additional Information: In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the compensation for this position is $70,000-85,000 USD. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.