Research Assistant in Economics (Political Economy and Development Economics)

The Wyss Academy for Nature at the University of Bern is a place of co-creation, engagement, and innovation where scientists, policymakers, the business sector, and local communities come together to develop, experiment, and implement innovative solutions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, land use change, and rising inequality. Our initiatives, rooted in scientific and other knowledge, stakeholder engagement, and the implementation of co-designed solutions, unfold within four regional stewardship hubs, strategically positioned in East Africa (Kenya), South America (Peru), Southeast Asia (Laos), and Europe (Switzerland). Our vision is to achieve a just and sustainable world in which nature conservation and human wellbeing reinforce each other. 

The successful candidate will engage in cutting-edge research in political economy and development economics, focusing on urgent social and political issues such as climate change, environmental sustainability, resource production, conflict, and ICT. Current fieldwork emphasizes artisanal gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon, utilizing experimental methods and data analysis techniques like Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing. Our team is part of the interdisciplinary Wyss Academy for Nature, offering many chances for interesting interactions and developing new skills, but also linked to the department of economics at the University of Bern. This position is an ideal step towards a future PhD in economics or a related discipline, and there is the option for participating in selected courses and seminars. 

Who we’re looking for  

The selected candidate is eager to learn new skills and methodologies and apply them to complex questions. They should have prior experience as research assistants or through their own empirical BA or MA thesis. Experience with coding and data handling is essential, but we particularly seek individuals who are committed to continuous improvement and can independently enhance their skills. Applicants should have a broad interest in various topics, especially those related to political economy and development. 

Additionally, candidates should be culturally sensitive, accustomed to working under tight deadlines, well-organized, and motivated to thrive in a dynamic environment. 

Your tasks 

• Data cleaning and processing
• Data analysis
• Conducting econometric analysis
• Creating graphs and tables for publications
• Literature review
• Support with administrative and teaching tasks 

Your qualifications 

• Master in Economics or a related discipline (data science, statistics, political science,…)
• Demonstrated research experience, either conducting own empirical thesis or prior work as research assistant
• Very good knowledge in at least one of STATA, R or Python
• Good understanding of econometric methods, including but not limited to Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Instrumental Variables (IV), Difference-in-Differences (Diff-in-Diff) analysis and regression continuity designs (RDD)
• Solid foundations in mathematics and statistics 

Desirable  

• Proven experience in Python, especially with Natural Language Processing (NLP)
• Proven experience in R and QGIS/ArcGIS working with spatial data
• Experience doing field research, like data collection or assisting with Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)  

What we offer 

• Integration in an agile organization that develops, tests, and scales up innovative solutions to the most urgent problems of our times, exploring new modes of collaboration between science, policy, and practice
• Growth opportunities in a stimulating intercultural, international, multidisciplinary environment with a modern culture of collaboration across four world regions and the space for innovative approaches and creative thinking
• Opportunities to increase your network and grow personally and professionally
• Employment contract with a private foundation and remuneration under conditions in accordance with the standards of the University of Bern, Switzerland
• Flexible working hours 

We look forward to receiving your application via our online portal no later than 10 June 2025. 

Applications must be written in English and include the following elements:  

• Curriculum vitae, incl. Bachelor and Master grades (with the necessary explanations on how to interpret those grades, e.g. relative to class or relative to other countries)
• one or two reference letters and contact details of the professional referees
• a writing sample (class project, seminar paper, BA or MA thesis)
• a 1-page cover letter explaining your personal motivation to join the Wyss Academy for Nature
• applicants originating from a country outside the EU/Switzerland must provide a copy of their EU/EFTA residence permit.  
  
  Make sure to apply via the Wyss Academy for Nature online platform: https://wyssacademy.abacuscity.ch/en/jobapplicationform?jobportal_id=1&jobportal_jobid=1237