"Predoctoral Research Specialist"

Predoctoral Research Specialist

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
Predoctoral Research Specialist

Job Profile Title
Research Specialist A

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.

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

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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