Predoctoral Research Specialist

Job Description Summary

Wharton School Overview

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.

Job Description

The Wharton School's 20+ research centers and initiatives serve as a hub for exchange and study where faculty, students, and members of the business community address pressing global business challenges. Their work generates courses, academic programs, community outreach, working papers, published research, and partnerships among academics, industry, and government.

The Rodney L. White Center for Financial Research at the Wharton School is seeking a Predoctoral Research Specialist to support the research of Professors Amy Huber, Karen Lewis, and Yao Zeng. Their research agenda combines theoretical and empirical approaches to understand the evolving landscape of global financial intermediaries. This position offers hands-on experience with data collection, quantitative analysis, and exposure to a wide range of research topics in finance.

A successful Predoctoral Research Specialist will work in this challenging position for two years, possess a strong desire to expand and deepen skills in research and quantitative data analysis, and emerge prepared to apply for PhD programs in Economics or Finance. Research Specialists will be encouraged to be an active part of the Wharton research community, which can include attending seminars, exploring personal research interests, and taking graduate-level classes at Wharton. This position will join a cohort of Predoctoral Research Specialists, both in the Finance Department and across other departments at the Wharton School. The candidate will also be expected to assist as needed in select Rodney White Center programs and activities.

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

The term for this position is July 1, 2026- June 30, 2028. Annual salary is in the range of $57,000 - $61,000 plus benefits.

This position is a full-time, limited-term appointment intended for up to two years (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2028) and is not eligible for extension beyond this term.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; full consideration will be given to applications received by January 11, 2026.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS in Economics, Finance, Statistics, or a related discipline and 1 to 2 years of research experience (potentially done while completing a bachelor's degree).
• Research experience, including conducting independent research using statistical software such as STATA, Matlab, Python, Mathematica, or R.
• The ability to analyze data, derive proofs, and write reports.
• Self-directed, intrinsically motivated, and have the capacity to manage work independently.

*** Applicants requiring visa sponsorship WILL NOT be considered for this role.***

The start date for this position is July 1, 2026. Annual salary is in the range of $57,000 - $61,000 plus benefits. This is a full-time, 2-year term limited position.

The position is intended for recent graduates who are seeking predoctoral research experience. The position is designed for a duration of 2 years and cannot be extended beyond the initial term. The estimated last day of employment is June 30, 2028.

Department / School
Wharton School

Pay Range
$44,500.00 - $58,000.00 Annual Rate