Join the Vancouver School of Economics: Pre-Doctoral Fellow/Research Technician Opportunities
The Vancouver School of Economics (VSE) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is excited to announce up to five full-time Pre-Doctoral Fellow/Research Technician positions. If you are passionate about economics and looking to gain valuable research experience in an academic setting, this is the perfect opportunity to further develop your skills and work alongside some of the leading economists in the field.
About the Role
As a Pre-Doctoral Fellow/Research Technician at VSE, you will have the unique opportunity to work closely with faculty members on a diverse range of research projects across various economic subfields, including labor economics, development, economic history, political economy, public economics, the economics of crime, and applied microeconomics. This hands-on position allows you to engage in all stages of the research process, from conceptualization to data analysis, making it an ideal stepping stone for those planning to pursue a PhD in economics, finance, or related disciplines.
The positions are full-time, one-year appointments with the possibility of extension to two years located at the Vancouver School of Economics (VSE), University of British Columbia (UBC); Vancouver, Canada. The anticipated start date is Summer 2025, with flexibility on the exact timing.
Responsibilities
As a Pre-Doc, you will collaborate closely with faculty members—including Sam Norris, Katherine Wagner, Réka Juhász, Gorkem Bostanci, and others—on a variety of high-impact research projects. Your responsibilities will include:
- Assisting in data collection, cleaning, and analysis
- Using advanced software tools like Stata, R, GIS, Matlab, Julia, and Python to analyze large, complex datasets
- Contributing to literature reviews, drafting reports, and preparing research findings
- Gaining exposure to cutting-edge methodologies in economics and econometrics
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for highly motivated candidates who:
- Have completed an undergraduate degree or Master’s degree in Economics or a related field
- Possess a strong quantitative background and some programming experience
- Are able to work independently and collaborate effectively in team settings
- Plan to pursue a PhD in Economics or a related field
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.
Compensation and Benefits
Base Salary: $4,757 CAD per month (approx. $57,084 CAD annually), with benefits as per UBC guidelines
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following application materials:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Maximum 2 pages
- Academic Transcripts
- A one-page cover letter outlining your academic background, research interests, and future goals
Please submit your application to vse.predocs@ubc.ca with the subject line: “Pre-Doctoral Fellow Application 2025”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you to the Vancouver School of Economics!
