Job Opportunity for Research Support Associate at Poverty Action Lab

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) J-PAL was established in 2003 as a research center at the Economics Department at MIT. Since then, it has grown into a global network of researchers who use randomized evaluations to answer critical policy questions in the fight against poverty. J-PAL is propelled by a team dedicated to research, policy, training, and other vital work, supporting J-PAL’s mission to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence.

J-PAL South Asia, the regional office which is based at the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) in India, analyses and disseminates research results and builds partnerships with policymakers to ensure that policy is driven by evidence, and that programs proven effective are scaled up. We have a growing number of partnerships in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. For more information on J-PAL SA, please see http://www.povertyactionlab.org/south-asia.

The Policy team at J-PAL South Asia (J-PAL SA) disseminates findings of J-PAL’s research; develops relationships with governments, civil society, and academic stakeholders; catalyzes scale-ups and replications of effective projects; and assists in conceptualizing new research projects. The team works closely with the global J-PAL office based at MIT to align the regional strategy with broader organizational objectives.

Project Description

Roles and Responsibilities:

• The Research Support Assistant will work closely with the Research Manager, PIs and the field team to undertake the following tasks.
• Assistin redesigning the Math Games curriculum, teacher manuals and teacher training materials to incorporate state specific language and content.
• Lead the training of selected master trainers in the State.
• Work with the Policy team to iron out the details of the pilot implementation and teacher training.
• Identification of vendors to print materials, liaise with vendors to deliver final products, manage logistics to distribute materials.
• Support data collection activities in the field such as piloting of questionnaires, training of survey teams to collect data, supervise data collection in the field.
• Set-up and maintain data management systems to conduct preliminary analysis of collected data.
• Maintain compliance with all J-PAL protocols and policies.
• Assist in preparation of documents and presentations for government meetings
• Responsible for general project documentation.

Desired Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in education, applied psychology, cognitive science, economics or related fields.
• Experience 0-2 years, experience working in cognitive science/education sector preferred.
• Experience teaching in schools, and or working with teachers is preferred.
• Experience doing field data collection is a plus.
• Familiarity with RCTs.
• Excellent management/organizational skills and able to solve unexpected problems.
• Flexible, self-motivating, independent and manages multiple tasks efficiently.
• Ability to deal with unstructured and changing environments.
• Attention to detail.
• Fluency and excellent communication skills in English and Marathi

Note on Work Authorizations:

Candidates must have work authorization to work in India.

How to Apply

Complete the J-PAL/IPA common application. After completing a brief registration, choose the Research job category, then select Research Support Associate- Math Games Scale-up- J-PAL South Asia  and include resume, cover letter, transcripts, and two recommendation letters. Note that applications with incomplete submissions will not be considered.

You are able to submit your application before your references complete their recommendation letters; however, you must include their contact information before submitting your application. Given the volume of applications received, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.