CEGA is hiring a Postdoc,
Psychology and Economics of Poverty
https://cega.berkeley.edu/career/postdoctoral-scholar-psychology-and-econom…
Description
The Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA), headquartered at the University of
California, Berkeley, seeks an outstanding Postdoctoral Scholar (postdoc) to support its
Psychology and Economics of Poverty (PEP) Initiative. In collaboration with the PEP
Co-Scientific Directors, Drs. Supreet Kaur (Economics) and Mahesh Srinivasan (Psychology),
the postdoc will engage in planning and carrying out original interdisciplinary research
on the psychology and economics of poverty. To inform this research, the postdoc will
conduct and publish an in-depth review of the literature at the intersection of psychology
and economics, outlining key findings, knowledge gaps and promising avenues for further
research. Both the research projects and review paper will focus on cognitive and
behavioral effects of poverty and will serve to hone the research agenda for CEGA’s
growing PEP initiative.
Key Responsibilities
In collaboration with the Co-Scientific Directors, the postdoc will help conceptualize and
conduct research focused on how poverty affects cognition, decision-making, health, and
early childhood development outcomes. To establish a framework for exploring emerging
domains of interest in research on poverty, the postdoc will also undertake and publish a
thorough review of relevant economics and psychology literature. Some potential lines of
inquiry may include: 1) how poverty impacts cognitive load, decision-making, social
cognition, mental health, aspirations, or economic and/or health outcomes; 2) belief
formation, the relevance of belief-based utility, effective adaptations to poverty, and
the role of the "psychological immune system" 3) the psychological consequences
of resource stability or volatility, 4) the influence of cultural context and social norms
on outcomes related to the above topics.
The review paper and related research projects will focus on promising areas for research
and on identifying policy levers and insights that can inform social and economic
development programming at scale. Other key postdoc responsibilities include facilitating
the monthly PEP reading group and presentation sessions, which provides a space for
students and faculty to discuss original research in psychology and economics on the
causes and consequences of poverty, and helping to organize an annual PEP research
convening. These activities focus on conceptual foundations, project design and
methodology, and results interpretation of research on the psychology and economics of
poverty. Finally, the postdoc will be encouraged to pursue his or her own research agenda
with mentorship from Kaur and Srinavasan.
Required Qualification
· A PhD (or equivalent) in Economics, Psychology, Public Policy, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
· Solid understanding of behavioral economics and psychology research. Focus on global
development a plus.
· 1-3 years experience conducting empirical field research (including supervising data
collection and cleaning activities at field sites) or lab research
· 1-3 years experience and competency with statistical software packages such as R,
STATA, SAS, and ability to render accurate statistical analysis
· Experience designing and implementing data collection instruments;
· Solid understanding of causal inference in applied micro-econometrics, research design
and program evaluation
· Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate
complex scientific findings into accessible, non-technical language (via publications or
professional presentations)
· Ability to work well with teams, and communicate effectively with colleagues and
faculty.
· Ability to interact with individuals at all levels in a fast-paced environment, with a
high level of professionalism and confidentiality
· Experience working with decision-makers in multilateral, developing country government,
and research institutions to identify promising academic research opportunities a plus
Application Requirements
This is a one-year full-time position with possibility for extension. Salary range is
commensurate with experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until April
1, 2020 or until the position is filled. The anticipated start date of the position is
September 1, 2020. To apply, include your most recently updated Curriculum Vitae
(required), a cover letter (required), and three professional references (required) to the
Psychology and Economics of Poverty Postdoc Submittable
page<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__cega.submittab…XSmHLTYpj9eD67e9qdI&e=>.
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Jeanette Aguilar
Senior Operations & HR Associate
Center for Effective Global
Action<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__cega.berkele…
o: 510-642-4361<tel:510-642-4361>
714C University Hall
Berkeley, CA 94720
pronouns: she/they
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