The Research Program in Development Economics (RPDE) at Princeton University hires predoctoral research fellows for a two-year position that prepares them for doctoral study in economics, public policy, or a related discipline. RPDE is based in Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs and housed in the Department of Economics, and it carries out research on the causes and consequences of global poverty. Fellows work closely with RPDE faculty on projects covering public health, education, climate change, air pollution, governance, and gender equality in low- and middle-income countries.
The faculty named on the most recent posting were Pascaline Dupas, Thomas Fujiwara, Seema Jayachandran, and Mica Sviatschi. Alongside research, fellows take graduate or undergraduate courses, attend seminars, and work alongside Princeton graduate students and other predoctoral fellows. Each cohort starts in June or July on the campus in Princeton, New Jersey.
Benefits & funding
- Annual salary of US$58,000 to US$75,000 on the most recent posting.
- Two-year term, renewable after the first year.
- Standard week of 36.25 hours; the role is not overtime eligible.
- Graduate and undergraduate courses, seminars, and faculty mentoring aimed at doctoral applications.
- Visa sponsorship is available for the position.
- Fellows work on campus, and in most cases may work remotely at least one day a week.
Eligibility
- A BA or BS in economics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field.
- Strong undergraduate or master’s-level coursework in economics, mathematics, and/or statistics.
- Experience with STATA and/or R.
- Demonstrated interest in empirical social science, with analytical, empirical, and writing skills shown through independent work.
- Suited to graduating seniors and master’s students who plan to apply for a PhD in economics or a related field.
- Open to candidates of any nationality. RPDE states that it encourages applicants from low- and middle-income countries.
- Prior research experience is described as a benefit rather than a requirement.
- Preferred rather than required: Python, Julia, Matlab, LaTeX, HTML, familiarity with social science data sources, and languages including French, Hindi, Portuguese, and Spanish.
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Education required
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Application process
- 1Watch the RPDE jobs page for the next round. The round for fellows starting in summer 2026 opened on 8 September 2025.
- 2Assemble one PDF holding a cover letter, a resume that lists standardized test scores, and transcripts.
- 3Supply referee contacts. The program page asks for two academic references, and the 2026 posting asked for three.
- 4Submit the PDF through the application link on the RPDE posting.
- 5Complete a coding exercise if shortlisted.
- 6Expect rolling review from 15 September until every position is filled.
Program timeline
Applications open for fellows starting in summer 2026
Sep 8, 2025
Rolling review begins
Sep 15, 2025
Applications close, with all roles filled
Nov 12, 2025
Fellows start on campus
June–July 2026
Next round
not yet posted. RPDE hires every year for a June or July start