Yale University Research Fellowships 2026: Fully Funded Predoctoral and Research Associate Opportunities in Development, Gender, and Experimental Economics

Yale University’s Inclusion Economics initiative has announced multiple exceptional opportunities for aspiring economists, researchers, and future PhD candidates through its highly competitive Predoctoral Fellowship and Research Associate programs. These positions offer unparalleled exposure to cutting-edge research in development economics, gender economics, behavioral economics, experimental economics, governance, financial inclusion, and public policy.

Hosted through Yale Inclusion Economics (YIE), the Yale Economic Growth Center (EGC), and the MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies, these opportunities are designed for highly motivated individuals who want to build strong research careers while working directly with some of the world’s leading economists.

Successful candidates will gain hands-on experience in policy-relevant research projects spanning Kenya, India, Nepal, and other regions where economic inclusion, gender equality, governance reforms, and sustainable development remain critical priorities.

About Yale Inclusion Economics

Yale Inclusion Economics (YIE) is a globally recognized policy-focused research initiative that combines economics, political science, public policy, and interdisciplinary research to understand how governments, institutions, and communities can build more inclusive and accountable societies.

The initiative collaborates with researchers from Yale University and international partners, including:

• Inclusion Economics India Centre
• Inclusion Economics Nepal
• International development organizations
• Government agencies
• Research institutions worldwide

Its core research areas include:

• Gender and economic empowerment
• Labor economics
• Digital inclusion
• Financial inclusion
• Political economy and governance
• Environmental economics
• Experimental and behavioral economics
• Public service delivery
• Climate resilience and adaptation

Two Outstanding Opportunities Under One Research Ecosystem

Yale Inclusion Economics is recruiting for two closely related positions that together provide a unique pathway into high-impact economic research.

1. Development and Experimental Economics Research Fellow

Under the supervision of Professor Rohini Pande and Dr. Maria Kogelnik, this fellowship focuses on development economics, behavioral economics, and experimental research.

The selected fellow will contribute to innovative studies addressing real-world policy challenges across South Asia and East Africa.

Current research themes include:

• Increasing women’s financial autonomy through national workfare programs
• Improving labor market outcomes for women
• Enhancing climate resilience through effective flood-warning systems
• Improving government service delivery
• Understanding political transitions and governance reforms
• Environmental conservation through payment-for-ecosystem-services programs
• Reducing gender gaps in mobile technology access
• Expanding financial inclusion opportunities
• Increasing economic participation among marginalized populations
• Behavioral economics experiments conducted both online and in the field

The fellow will also support Yale’s growing Behavioral and Experimental Economics initiative through lab-based and field-based research activities.

To learn more about this position and apply, Click Here

2. Research Associate / Predoctoral Fellow – Kenya Research Portfolio

The second opportunity focuses specifically on applied economic research in Kenya and East Africa.

Working alongside Professor Rohini Pande, Professor Simone Schaner, Professor Charity Troyer-Moore, and Erik Jorgensen, the selected candidate will support major research initiatives aimed at empowering women in digital economies.

Key research themes include:

• Women’s digital inclusion
• Gender-responsive technology policies
• Digital financial services
• Economic empowerment programs
• Gender-intentional policy design
• Technology adoption among underserved populations
• Evidence-based policy development

This position provides extensive exposure to the design, implementation, testing, monitoring, and evaluation of development interventions in East Africa.

What Makes These Opportunities Exceptional?

Work Directly with World-Leading Economists

Successful candidates will collaborate with internationally renowned scholars whose research influences policy decisions globally.

Faculty leadership includes:

• Professor Rohini Pande
• Dr. Maria Kogelnik
• Professor Simone Schaner
• Professor Charity Troyer-Moore
• Erik Jorgensen

This level of mentorship is rare and can significantly strengthen future graduate school and academic applications.

Exposure to Cutting-Edge Research

Researchers will gain practical experience in:

• Experimental economics
• Behavioral economics
• Development economics
• Impact evaluation
• Randomized controlled trials
• Survey design
• Data analytics
• Policy research
• Field experimentation
• Public policy evaluation

Strong Preparation for PhD Programs

Both positions are specifically designed for individuals considering doctoral studies.

Participants will develop:

• Research design skills
• Advanced econometric skills
• Academic writing expertise
• Publication-oriented research experience
• Professional research networks

These experiences make the positions highly attractive stepping stones toward PhD programs at leading universities worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

Successful candidates may be involved in a broad range of activities, including:

Data Management and Analysis

• Cleaning large datasets
• Managing administrative data
• Organizing survey datasets
• Monitoring intervention data
• Conducting econometric analyses
• Performing statistical modeling

Research Support

• Literature reviews
• Academic background research
• Drafting grant proposals
• Preparing policy briefs
• Supporting manuscript development
• Assisting with publication preparation

Field Research

• Coordinating with research teams
• Supporting survey implementation
• Monitoring project activities
• Working with implementation partners
• Conducting field visits

Reporting and Communication

• Preparing presentations
• Drafting project reports
• Creating slide decks
• Developing research protocols
• Contributing to knowledge-sharing initiatives

Skills and Qualifications Sought by Yale

Competitive candidates should possess:

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in:
  • Economics
  • Data Science
  • Statistics
  • International Development
  • Public Policy
  • Mathematics
  • Related quantitative disciplines

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in Stata
• Experience with R
• Knowledge of Python is advantageous
• Statistical analysis capabilities
• Data management expertise

Personal Attributes

• Strong academic record
• Excellent communication skills
• Independent problem-solving ability
• Research curiosity
• Attention to detail
• Interest in development policy

International Travel Opportunities

One of the most exciting aspects of these positions is the opportunity to engage directly with field research activities.

Researchers may travel to:

• Kenya
• Nepal
• India
• East African study sites
• South Asian research locations
• Rural communities participating in research programs

This field experience provides invaluable insight into development challenges and policy implementation.

Career Benefits

These Yale opportunities offer significant professional advantages:

1. Direct mentorship from internationally recognized economists.
2. Experience at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
3. Preparation for competitive PhD applications.
4. Exposure to real-world policy challenges.
5. Advanced quantitative and analytical skill development.
6. International research experience.
7. Access to global academic networks.
8. Opportunities for publication-oriented research.
9. Experience working on high-impact development projects.

Application Process

Applicants are expected to submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter
• Academic Transcripts
• Additional application materials as requested

For the Development and Experimental Economics Research Fellow position, applicants must also complete a supplementary screening questionnaire as part of the application process.

Application Deadline

No fixed application deadline has been announced.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible because positions may be filled before applications close.

Apply Here

To learn more, Click Here

Why You Should Apply

For aspiring economists, future PhD students, policy researchers, and development practitioners, these Yale Inclusion Economics opportunities provide an exceptional platform for professional growth. Participants will work on research that directly influences public policy, gender equality initiatives, financial inclusion strategies, climate resilience efforts, and economic development programs across multiple countries.

Few early-career opportunities offer the combination of elite mentorship, rigorous research training, international field experience, and direct policy relevance available through Yale Inclusion Economics. Candidates seeking to build impactful careers in academia, public policy, international development, or applied economics should strongly consider applying.

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