Assistant/Associate Project Scientist - Center for Effective Global Action

Position overview
Position title: Assistant/Associate Project Scientist
Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: The current base salary range for this position is $76,700-$119,500. "Offscale" salaries, which yield compensation that is higher than the published systemwide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: January 2027

Position duration: 1 year with the possibility of renewal pending funding

Application Window

Open date: October 7, 2026

Next review date: Wednesday, Oct 21, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Saturday, Nov 28, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Assistant/Associate Project Scientist position will work closely with faculty and apply significant contributions and statistical expertise to economics research projects that cross cut multiple social science disciplines. They will collaborate on all aspects of Berkeley Initiative for Transparency in the Social Sciences, including the design, analysis and management of data collection. II particular, they will lead research on using Large Language Models (LLMs) to extract metadata and treatment effect data from papers. The position will involve collaborations with outside researchers to validate findings using LLM-extracted and the development of academic papers sharing project findings also develop statistical models and analyses using Stata, SAS, R, and other software packages, and publish resulting findings. They will also provide oversight, mentoring and advising to Berkeley Initiative for Transparency in the Social Sciences training attendees, CEGA fellows, and graduate students-as well as staff research assistants-on research design, methods, analysis, and management with a goal of improving research transparency and credibility, and cultivating research and policy partnerships. The Assistant/Associate Project Scientist will work with the Berkeley Initiative for Transparency in the Social SciencesProgram Manager and CEGA leadership to develop strong relationships with organizations providing research support and analysis, and provide oversight and advice to these organizations in meeting the objectives of the research agenda, including facilitating the use of evidence among key stakeholders. Other key responsibilities include: managing data-centric components (including analysis, review and technical assistance) for collaborative research projects and case studies, including developing work plans and timelines to ensure that deliverables are completed on schedule; authoring research papers using empirical approaches and disseminating findings/best practices to academics, donors and policymakers through meetings and presentations; contributing to grant proposals, progress reports for current funding sources, and strategic planning and partnership development with relevant efforts relevant to the PI's goals and make significant and creative contributions to research projects that they lead.

Department: https://cega.berkeley.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
PhD or equivalent international degree or enrolled in a PhD or equivalent international degree program.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
PhD or equivalent international degree

Preferred qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in Policy Analysis, Economics, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience conducting empirical research, including data collection, data management, and analysis.
• 3-5 years of experience and demonstrated competency with statistical software packages such as Stata, SAS, and R, with the ability to conduct accurate statistical analyses.
• 1-3 years of experience working with academics, policymakers, donors, and/or research institutions on research projects and evidence-based decision-making.
• Understanding of key issues related to conducting field research in low- and middle-income countries.
• Experience designing and implementing data collection instruments and managing data-centric research activities.
• Experience providing support, oversight, and mentoring to research assistants, graduate students, or research trainees.
• Ability to independently investigate and resolve technical and research-related issues.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate complex scientific, research, and technical material into accessible language for broad, non-technical audiences.
• Specialization in causal inference, applied microeconomics, research design, and/or program evaluation.
• Experience applying machine-learning methods, including Large Language Models (LLMs), to research.
• Experience applying data-transparency tools and techniques, including study registries, pre-analysis plans, open-data platforms, and disclosure of research methods and results.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, researchers, and external partners on interdisciplinary research projects.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Research Statement - Please discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive research practices that promote the excellence of your research, and areas for future research.

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05552

Help contact: sabrinaspatny@berkeley.edu

Job location

Berkeley, CA