Predoctoral Research Fellow

Predoctoral Research Fellow

🔍Dean of Research, Stanford, California, United States

The Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR) is Stanford's thought leader for understanding the economic challenges, opportunities, and policies affecting people worldwide. For 40 years, SIEPR's mission has been to support research that informs economic policy making while engaging future leaders and scholars.

The SIEPR Predoctoral Research Fellows Program offers post-baccalaureate individuals the opportunity to work full-time with one or two SIEPR faculty on research projects. Additionally, predoctoral research fellows (“predocs”) participate in professional development activities and are eligible to enroll in one Stanford course per quarter. Through these experiences, SIEPR predocs expand their quantitative skill set, develop a better understanding of the research process, and learn how research influences policy decisions.

The position is ideal for individuals planning to pursue a PhD and careers in economics, public policy, or related fields. An interest in pursuing research related to economics and/or the project field of interest is desirable. However, prior background in these areas is not strictly necessary; candidates interested in gaining exposure to the project areas of research are very welcome to apply.

The programming experience required varies and will be outlined in the posting for each research project.

This predoc position is for a fixed term within the SIEPR program year, which runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Bachelor’s degree must be obtained prior to your start date. Exceptions for starting later than July 1, 2026, may be considered at the discretion of the supervisor. The position is eligible for one renewal in a consecutive second year based on programmatic need and funding.

To apply, please review the program details, application guidelines and open projects. A complete application must include a cover letter, CV, undergraduate transcripts, and (if applicable) graduate transcripts (unofficial transcripts acceptable), plus one optional writing sample.

For full consideration, please submit your complete application by January 28, 2026.

Employment in this position requires legal authorization to work in the United States. Stanford University may sponsor eligible candidates for a J-1 visa for this position and candidates may also work under valid OPT or OPT STEM authorization. Please note that this position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.

• Participate in the planning and performing/conducting research tasks by applying basic knowledge and understanding of scientific theory using precedents or other published guidelines and knowledge of theory and methods when specific precedents do not exist. General instruction provided by the supervisor or principal investigator. May interpret study results in collaboration with supervisor or PI.
• Participate in the development and administration of survey instruments and rating scales requiring judgment in applying non-routine procedures or methods. Analyze and summarize results for review with supervisor. Audit the accuracy and validity of data.
• Review and audit case report forms for completion and accuracy with source documents and ensure compliance with research protocols.
• Identify, select, extract and summarize data and structured information. Present summary of findings to supervisor.
• Conduct literature searches, and write literature summaries and manuscripts, requiring preliminary judgments after the supervisor outlines conceptual approach.
• Build and organize data as requested by principal investigator or supervisor; use common statistical programs requiring the application of job control language in generating and organizing data.
• Adapt new, nonstandard methods outlined by supervisor in designing and evaluating phases of research projects, (i.e., educational materials, questionnaires, strategies for recruitment, data quality control procedures and processes). May follow up with supervisor to ensure approvals and completion, seeking guidance where necessary.
• Assist…