Full-time Research Assistant

The Institute for International Economic Studies (IIES) is seeking a full-time research assistant to support an active research agenda in applied microeconomics.

The research assistant will work closely with the project leader, PhD students, and other research assistants in a collaborative research environment focused on labor market economics and human capital creation.

IIES is one of the leading research institutes in economics in the Nordic countries and Europe. The institute's goal is to produce leading economic research on important societal issues. The institute is an international workplace with English as the working language. We value an engaged, dynamic, and collaborative work environment.

More information about us can be found at: https://www.su.se/enheter/institutet-for-internationell-ekonomi (https://www.su.se/enheter/institutet-for-internationell-ekonomi).

Job Responsibilities

As a research assistant, you will contribute to several ongoing projects that use large administrative microdata sets and experimental data from Brazil. These projects study how skills are created, matching in the labor market, firm behavior, and how opinions are formed, using a combination of experimental methods, econometric methods regarding reduced form, and text as research data techniques for policy-relevant questions.

The position involves practical work in several steps of the empirical research process, including data construction, econometric analysis, and preparation of research results. The research assistant will work closely with the project leader and will receive regular feedback.

The main tasks of the research assistant will include building, cleaning, and linking large administrative datasets and survey datasets using Stata, and R or Python; implementing reproducible data cleaning and analysis pipelines with clear documentation; performing econometric analysis, robust checks, and replication; and applying text as research data methods concerning job vacancies and CVs.

Qualifications

We are looking for someone who has:

• A bachelor's or master's degree in economics or a related quantitative field (e.g., statistics, data science, mathematics, computer science, or engineering).
• Very good programming skills in at least one of the programs Stata, R, or Python; if you do not have knowledge of Stata, you should be willing to learn the program so that you can use it without problems, as it is the programming language primarily used in the project.
• Experience working with data, including cleaning, merging, and transforming large datasets.
• The ability to debug code, work independently on technical problems, and write clear and well-documented code.
• Fluent English in both spoken and written form is required since English is the working language in the project.

It is desirable that the applicant has previous experience working with large administrative datasets, primarily matched employer-employee data such as RAIS in Brazil. Familiarity with text as research data methods, such as processing and analyzing unstructured text from job postings or CVs, is an advantage. Extensive training in econometrics beyond the basic level (e.g., advanced econometrics, causal inference, or panel data methods) is also desirable. Knowledge of reading technical documentation and administrative material in Portuguese is a significant advantage but not a requirement.

The ideal candidate is motivated to learn new methods, programming languages, and research tools, and takes pride in performing careful and well-documented work. You are detail-oriented, systematic, and can follow established research protocols while working independently on technical issues. You understand when to ask questions, pay attention to ambiguities early on, and make clear notes about your work to ensure transparency and reproducibility.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities in the evaluation process.

About the Employment

The position is full-time and limited to six months. Desired start date is May 1, 2026, although some flexibility is possible by agreement. Stockholm University applies individual salary setting.

We Offer

With us, you will experience the dynamics of the interplay between higher education and research, making Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and receive favorable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good connections to the city.

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information is provided by Assistant Professor Laia Navarro Sola, mailto:[email protected].

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete and that it reaches the university by the application deadline.

Please attach only a personal letter and CV. Copies of transcripts and certificates should be brought to a possible interview.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-på-su/att-söka-en-anställning (https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-p%C3%A5-su/att-s%C3%B6ka-en-anst%C3%A4llning).

Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment, and the pursuit of truth.