Predoctoral Fellow in Economics and Applied Machine Learning with a Focus on Developing Countries

University of Zürich Department of Economics

Department of Economics

Pre-doctoral Fellow in Economics and Applied Machine Learning with a Focus on Developing Countries 70 %

Start of employment flexible between May and September 2026, 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 May and September 2026 (although an early start date is strongly preferred). 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 extended periods conducting fieldwork in Ghana, Tanzania, and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Non-EU/EFTA applicants should have a minimum of a Master's degree.

Ideal candidates will have a major in Economics (and ideally, a minor in data science or similar), 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.

Requirements

• University degree in a relevant discipline (economics, computer science, mathematics)
• Postgraduate qualifications (MA/MSc/MPhil) or a BA with an outstanding academic record
• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Proficiency in Stata, R, or Python is preferred
• Demonstrable experience with machine learning techniques (particularly the understanding and application of LLMs)

Information on your application

Applications should be submitted via the UZH jobs portal. You should submit the following documents in .pdf format:

• A cover letter outlining your interest, 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
• An up-to-date CV
• Contact information (names, email addresses, and phone numbers) for two referees
• 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: https://yanagizawadrott.com and https://socialcatalystlab.org or email us at SCL@econ.uzh.ch

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

Learning and Development

• Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
• Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

Food

• Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
• Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

Healthcare

• Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
• Free seasonal flu vaccinations
• Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

Discounts

• Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
• Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
• Special conditions on hotel reservations

Conditions of Employment

• Policies of the UZH
• Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

International Services

• Support for people from outside Switzerland

Campuses

• Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
• Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

Location

Department of Economics

Schönberggasse 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

Questions about the job

Prof. Yanagizawa-Drott

Professor of Development and Emerging Markets

Affiliated Professor at the UBS Center