Pre-Doctoral Research Specialist, Real Estate Center at the Wharton School

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Pre-Doctoral Research Specialist, Real Estate Center at the Wharton School

Job Profile Title

Research Specialist A

Job Description Summary

Founded in 1881 as the world's first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With campuses in both Philadelphia and San Francisco, Wharton has over 850 staff, a faculty population of more than 235 renowned professors, and 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Education's individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 104,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. Wharton is home to a dynamic community of staff, bringing a wide range of skills, experiences, and perspectives. To learn more, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu.

The successful candidate will support faculty research in a number of areas, including real estate, public policy, and urban economics. Job responsibilities include collecting, designing, implementing and maintaining moderately complex databases; using access methods, access time, device allocation, validation checks, reorganization and statistical methods. Perform a variety of statistical and econometric analyses. Write research reports, and provide research-related programming support. Independent thinking, a thorough understanding of economics, and self-motivation are highly valued in performing these functions. Ability to analyze data requirements, maintain database dictionaries, and integration of systems through database design is essential. Must work proficiently in most phases of database management.

Job Description

This is a full-time, limited-term position typically intended for recent graduates who are seeking predoctoral research experience. The positions is designed for a duration of 2 years and cannot be extended beyond the initial term.

The start date for this position is July 1, 2026. Annual salary is in the range of $61,000 - 63,000 plus benefits.

Qualifications:

BA/BS in Economics, Statistics, Finance, Mathematics, Computer Science or another closely-related discipline and 1-2 years of experience is required, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous experience as a research assistant or pursuing independent research is preferred. Computer-programming skills are necessary. Proven data analysis skills are required.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Wharton School

Pay Range

$44,500.00 - $62,000.00 Annual Rate Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.