Northwestern University

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Economics – Research and Innovation for Social and Economic Inclusion (RISEI) Lab

Institution: Northwestern University, School of Education and Social Policy
Location: Evanston, IL (with research partnerships in Maine and Virginia)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Michelle Yin, Associate Professor and Director of the RISEI Lab
Position Overview & Research Environment

The Research and Innovation for Social and Economic Inclusion (RISEI) Lab (https://sites.northwestern.edu/risei/) at Northwestern University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Economics to conduct high-impact applied research under Dr. Michelle Yin. The fellow will contribute to evaluations on labor markets, disability policy, and education, producing work that informs state and federal policy. The Lab leverages large administrative and survey datasets, applying rigorous causal inference methods in collaboration with agencies, nonprofits, and international partners.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will:
•Conduct econometric analyses of administrative, survey, and linked data (UI wage records, RSA-911, SLDS).
• Co-author manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to impact, implementation, and cost evaluations.
• Mentor research assistants; support lab development.
• Present findings at academic conferences and policy convenings.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.

Qualifications
Required:
• Ph.D. in Economics or a closely related field (by start date).
• Strong background in applied econometrics, causal inference, and program evaluation.
• Experience working with large administrative or survey datasets.
• Proficiency in statistical software such as Stata, R, or Python.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.


Start Date: As early as January 2026 (flexible).
Duration: One year, renewable for up to two additional years based on performance and funding.
Salary & Benefits: Competitive, consistent with Northwestern University postdoctoral scales.
Location: Evanston, IL, with potential for fieldwork travel to Maine and Virginia.
Application Instructions
Applications should be submitted to Dawna Goens Leggett: dawna.leggett@northwestern.edu and must include:
• Cover letter describing research interests and fit with the RISEI Lab.
• CV
• Research statement (up to three pages).
• One or two representative research papers or working papers.
• 2-3 references

Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.