Pre-Doctoral Research Associate, Global Linkages Lab

Apply here: https://apply.interfolio.com/176873

The Global Linkages Lab at Brown University’s Department of Economics is a premier research initiative dedicated to advancing frontier work on globalization and international linkages. We invite applications for a one-year, full-time pre-doctoral research associate position in economics. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Professor Şebnem Kalemli-Ozcan, together with leading scholars in international economics at Brown’s Department of Economics and the Watson School of International and Public Affairs. The Global Linkages Lab is committed to training the next generation of international economists and to advancing public understanding of global interdependence. Through open-data initiatives, conferences, and research dissemination, the Lab contributes to shaping the global economic policy agenda by encouraging evidence-based policy making that promote sustainable growth and welfare worldwide. 

As one of the most dynamic and globally oriented research labs in the field, the Global Linkages Lab offers a uniquely collaborative and data-intensive environment. Our lab integrates rigorous academic inquiry with policy relevance—providing pre-doctoral fellows with the opportunity to engage directly in projects that shape the frontier of research and global policy debate. Similar to our peers’, the Lab provides access to world-class faculty. Different to other research Labs, a unique feature of the Global Linkages Lab is cutting-edge datasets, and broad research networks spanning academia, international institutions, and policy circles. The Lab’s Data Center houses an exceptional range of micro granular global datasets on trade, production networks, and cross-border finance. This enables path-breaking research on topics such as global supply chains and inflation; tariffs and sanctions; the dominance of the dollar; financial globalization and capital misallocation; green transition finance; global productivity and innovation; U.S. policy spillovers; exchange rates and geopolitical fragmentation of global trade and capital markets; supply chain resilience and national economic security.

We particularly welcome applicants with strong quantitative and programming skills who plan to pursue Ph.D. in economics and are passionate about research in international economics, finance, and trade. Pre-doctoral associates will work closely with Ph.D. students, faculty, and Lab affiliates, joining an intellectually vibrant community that offers both rigorous academic experience and exceptional professional preparation. Our Data Center with raw and derived granular global trade and financial-linkage data gives our students a rare advantage for generating original empirical results, not just assist. Because our Lab is deeply embedded in international economics scholarship and policy outreach, you’ll gain co-authorship opportunities, exposure in high-impact venues, and a platform for graduate-school placement. The more intense focus means you’ll emerge with a portfolio tailored for top PhD programs and global-policy relevance. Pre-doctoral fellows receive competitive offers, mentorship tailored to Ph.D. preparation, and exposure to ongoing collaborative work that often leads to not only co-authorship but also placement success in top graduate programs. 

Why Global Linkages Lab?

We are student-centric, combining state-of-the-art academic research with real-world policy relevance, create and share data. We have a broad, yet deeply specialized research agenda centered on global trade and financial linkages, firm-level networks, supply chains, the U.S.’ and the dollar’s global role, mis-allocation of global capital, financing of firm growth, and policy spillovers across borders.

• Focused mentorship and co-authorship opportunities-Work directly with world-renowned faculty on projects at the intersection of international macroeconomics, trade and global finance. Mentorship is intensive, hands-on, and explicitly structured to position pre-docs for top Ph.D. placements. By offering a broader slate of frontier topics (trade, firms, networks, finance, policy), our students engage with a wider set of issues while still maintaining a high level of specialization. We provide an optimal environment for mission-driven students, who not only want to train for top PhD programs but also engage in meaningful policy-impact work that will make a difference in real life. We hope to help to train the next generation of top international economists.

• State-of-the-art data infrastructure-The Lab’s Global Data Center hosts one of the most comprehensive collections of raw and derived datasets on global trade, production networks, and cross-border finance. Unlike other programs, pre-docs here can work on their own research with micro-linked, firm- and sector-level datasets that enable original research rather than replication and research assistantship to professors. Our emphasis on granular firm-/network-level data plus integration of trade, finance, productivity and policy gives our distinctive edge for empirical work.

• Cutting-edge research agenda-We push the frontier on: Global supply chains & inflation • dollar dominance & global finance • capital misallocation • green-transition financing • policy spillovers • global fragmentation • trade sanctions • fintech and multinationals • SME finance • financing development • China–U.S. technology rivalry • European capital-markets integration.

• Global impact and visibility-The Lab’s research informs policymakers, multilateral institutions, and markets and receives extensive media coverage. Pre-docs participate in high-profile conferences and policy dialogues, gaining exposure well beyond academia. Our open-data and outreach mission ensures that your work contributes to the broader understanding of global interdependence and policy design. 

The Ideal Candidate

We seek applicants with strong quantitative, programming, and data-analysis skills—ideally with backgrounds in economics, mathematics, statistics, computer science, and engineering—who are eager to pursue graduate research on international trade, macroeconomics, and finance. A commitment to independent inquiry, intellectual curiosity, and teamwork is essential.

For this position, Brown offers only the J-1 visa classification to scholars who need immigration sponsorship in order to enter the U.S. and commence lawful employment under the terms of their appointment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.