At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research on AI and robotics' economic implications alongside leading experts.
- Company: Join the Ellison Institute of Technology, a hub for innovation and scientific discovery.
- Benefits: Gain exceptional training, mentorship, and exposure to policymakers in a well-resourced environment.
- Other info: Full-time, one-year position with potential for renewal based on performance.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact while preparing for a PhD or policy-focused career.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Economics or related field; strong quantitative skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join us at EIT: At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), we’re on a mission to translate scientific discovery into real world impact. We bring together visionary scientists, technologists, engineers, researchers, educators and innovators to tackle humanity’s greatest challenges in four transformative areas:
- Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology
- Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture
- Climate Change & Managing CO₂
- Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
This is ambitious work - work that demands curiosity, courage, and a relentless drive to make a difference. At EIT, you’ll join a community built on excellence, innovation, tenacity, trust, and collaboration, where bold ideas become real-world breakthroughs. Together, we push boundaries, embrace complexity, and create solutions to scale ideas from lab to society.
Economics at EIT is recruiting for two outstanding, full-time Predoctoral Research Fellows to support research on the economic implications of AI and robotics, under the leadership of Professor Andrew J. Scott. Successful candidates will be working on a high profile and impactful project as well as supporting frontier research.
This is a rare opportunity to conduct rigorous economic research on AI and robotics alongside the researchers and engineers building them. EIT houses frontier teams in generative biology, plant sciences, materials science, and immunology. These teams, in conjunction with EIT’s own world-class AI and Robotics team, are tackling some of humanity’s greatest challenges. This cross-disciplinary immersion informs original research of the highest quality, aimed at real-world impact.
Predoctoral Fellows will support a research programme drawing connections between frontier developments in AI and robotics, fundamental research in economics, and growing interest from governments and international organisations in understanding how these technologies will reshape the economy, labour markets, and institutions. EIT's extensive network of policymakers and leading academics ensures that your work reaches those shaping the response to technological change.
The Institute is well-resourced and committed to supporting ambitious, high-impact research. For candidates considering a PhD in economics or related fields, this role offers exceptional training, mentorship, and exposure to researchers and policymakers shaping the field.
Positions are full-time and of one-year duration, potentially renewable for further terms, subject to performance.
Your Role: The Predoctoral Research Fellow will support research combining (i) broad-based work on the economic and social implications of AI and robotics and (ii) focused deep dives into specific issues. The role is designed for highly motivated early-career researchers seeking rigorous research experience in preparation for PhD study or roles in policy and technology-focused organisations.
You will work closely with economists, data scientists, and policy stakeholders, contributing to data construction, empirical analysis, and research outputs. Expected outputs include contributions to academic research papers as well as wider forms of output reaching broader public and policy audiences.
Potential Research topics include:
- What are the implications of AI and robotics for economic growth and what are the main mechanisms and constraints?
- How will AI and robotics change the rate of innovation and how will knowledge diffusion and skill acquisition evolve?
- What are the implications for employment, labour markets, inequality and social security?
- How will AI and robotics impact organisational structure and the nature of work and what are the implications for firms and human capital?
- How will the AI transition impact different sectors, countries and groups and what policy responses are needed?
- Will AI and robotics lead to abundance and what implications does this have for society and humanity?
- How will AI and robotics interact with demographic changes and what are the implications for public finances?
Requirements:
- A completed bachelor’s degree (or master’s degree preferred) in Economics or a related discipline with substantial quantitative content
- Evidence of academic excellence and strong quantitative training and ability to deal with broad issues at a systematic level as well as dive deep into technical matters
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and coordinate with a broad range of stakeholders
- Strong technical skills, including experience with some of:
- Statistics / econometrics
- Applied micro or macro data work
- Causal inference and quasi-experimental methods
- Working with large datasets
- Git / reproducible research workflows
- Python (strongly desired) and/or R / Stata
- Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple research tasks simultaneously
- Curiosity, intellectual flexibility, and interest in the broader economic and societal implications of technological change
We are particularly interested in candidates with strong economic reasoning and technical research skills that can be applied to a wide range of research questions. Prior expertise in AI economics is welcome but not required.
Application Requirements: Applications are open to candidates from the UK and abroad. Any offer of employment is subject to the eligibility to work in the UK.
Required Application Materials:
- Two letters of reference
- CVCover letter
- Writing sample (e.g., thesis chapter, research paper, or substantial coursework paper)
Role duration: one-year (renewable annually subject to performance).
Predoctoral Research Fellow - Economics Central Business Operations & Other Oxford, England, Un[...] employer: Ellison Institute, LLC
At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. As a Predoctoral Research Fellow, you will have the unique opportunity to engage in high-impact research at the forefront of AI and robotics, supported by world-class mentorship and resources. Our commitment to employee growth and the chance to contribute to transformative projects in Oxford makes EIT an inspiring place for early-career researchers seeking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Predoctoral Research Fellow - Economics Central Business Operations & Other Oxford, England, Un[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former researchers at EIT, especially those in the Economics Platform. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the latest research on AI and robotics. Show us that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about how these fields intersect with economics.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Share your thoughts on relevant topics on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter. It shows us you’re engaged and can communicate your ideas effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our mission at EIT.
We think you need these skills to ace Predoctoral Research Fellow - Economics Central Business Operations & Other Oxford, England, Un[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your academic achievements, relevant skills, and any research experience that aligns with the role. Tailor it to showcase how your background fits into the exciting world of AI and robotics economics.
Write a Personalised Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic cover letter! Use this opportunity to express your passion for the intersection of economics and technology. Mention specific projects or research interests that resonate with EIT’s mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:Include a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. Whether it’s a thesis chapter or a research paper, choose something that reflects your analytical skills and understanding of economic implications in tech.
Gather Strong References:Select referees who know your work well and can speak to your research capabilities and character. A strong reference can make a big difference, so choose wisely and give them a heads-up about the role you’re applying for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellison Institute, LLC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the economic implications of AI and robotics. Brush up on recent research, key theories, and current debates in the field. This will not only show your passion but also help you engage meaningfully with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your technical skills, especially in statistics, econometrics, and programming languages like Python or R. Be ready to provide examples of how you've applied these skills in past projects or coursework, as this will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the research programme, the team dynamics, and how your role will contribute to the broader goals of EIT. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Curiosity and Flexibility
EIT values curiosity and intellectual flexibility. Be prepared to discuss how you approach complex problems and adapt to new information. Share examples from your academic journey that highlight your ability to think critically and embrace challenges.
