Predoctoral Research Fellow - Economics in Oxford

Predoctoral Research Fellow - Economics in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support impactful research on AI and robotics' economic implications.
  • Company: Join the innovative Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) team.
  • Benefits: Gain exceptional training, mentorship, and exposure to leading researchers.
  • Why this job: Make a real-world impact while preparing for a PhD or policy role.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Economics or related field; strong quantitative skills required.
  • Other info: Full-time, one-year position with potential for renewal based on performance.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Join us at EIT: At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), we translate scientific discovery into real-world impact. We bring together 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 COâ‚‚; Artificial Intelligence & Robotics. This is ambitious work that demands curiosity, courage, and a relentless drive to make a difference.

Welcome to the Economics Platform. 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. 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

  • 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: Skills, Qualifications & Experience

  • 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 & Role Details

    Benefits and additional details: the role is one-year (renewable annually subject to performance).

    Application Materials

    • Two letters of reference
    • CV
    • Cover 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 in Oxford employer: Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford

    At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our Predoctoral Research Fellows benefit from unparalleled mentorship and training opportunities, working alongside leading experts in economics, AI, and robotics to address pressing global challenges. Located in a vibrant research environment, EIT offers a unique chance to contribute to impactful projects while developing skills that are highly valued in academia and policy-making.
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    Contact Detail:

    Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Predoctoral Research Fellow - Economics in Oxford

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Predoctoral Research Fellows and professors in your field. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a recommendation.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your best work, especially anything related to AI and economics. This will help you stand out during interviews and showcase your ability to tackle complex topics.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Be ready for a deep dive! Brush up on the latest research in AI and robotics, especially their economic implications. Being well-versed in current trends will impress interviewers and show your genuine interest.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the EIT team and contributing to impactful research.

    We think you need these skills to ace Predoctoral Research Fellow - Economics in Oxford

    Quantitative Analysis
    Statistical Skills
    Econometrics
    Causal Inference
    Data Management
    Python
    R
    Stata
    Research Methodology
    Attention to Detail
    Organisational Skills
    Stakeholder Coordination
    Curiosity
    Intellectual Flexibility
    Economic Reasoning

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for economics and how your skills align with the role. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm for AI and robotics show!

    Showcase Your Writing Sample: When it comes to your writing sample, choose something that best reflects your analytical skills and understanding of economic concepts. We’re looking for clarity and depth, so pick a piece that you’re proud of and that demonstrates your ability to tackle complex topics.

    Get Those References Ready: Make sure your references are ready to vouch for your skills and experience. Choose people who know your work well and can speak to your strengths in research and quantitative analysis. A strong reference can really make a difference in our decision-making process!

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you have all the necessary materials submitted. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at EIT!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford

    ✨Know Your Stuff

    Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in AI and robotics, especially their economic implications. Familiarise yourself with key concepts and recent research findings that relate to the role. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also your readiness to engage in meaningful discussions.

    ✨Showcase Your Skills

    Prepare to discuss your technical skills 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. This is your chance to demonstrate your quantitative training and problem-solving abilities.

    ✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

    Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the research projects at EIT, the team dynamics, and how your role will contribute to broader goals. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

    ✨Highlight Your Curiosity

    Emphasise your curiosity and willingness to explore complex economic issues related to technology. Share examples of how you've tackled challenging topics in the past and express your eagerness to learn from the experienced researchers at EIT. This aligns perfectly with the institute's mission of tackling humanity's greatest challenges.

    Predoctoral Research Fellow - Economics in Oxford
    Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford
    Location: Oxford

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