Princeton University Senior Research Specialist. Princeton University is offering an exciting research opportunity for recent graduates interested in economics, public policy, and quantitative social sciences. The university’s Industrial Relations Section (IRS) is inviting applications for its Senior Research Specialist (Predoctoral Research Assistant) – AY28 position.
The role is designed for graduates who want to gain advanced research experience before applying for a PhD or pursuing a research-focused career. Based in Princeton, New Jersey, USA, the position provides a competitive annual salary of approximately US$60,000–65,000, along with the opportunity to work closely with leading researchers.
The appointment is expected to begin around July 5, 2027, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates interested in this opportunity should carefully review the eligibility requirements and application instructions before submitting their materials.
Princeton Predoctoral Research Position
The Industrial Relations Section at Princeton University conducts research in several areas of economics and social science, including labor economics, inequality, education, public economics, and applied econometrics.
Unlike a traditional research assistant position in which an individual may work exclusively with one professor, Senior Research Specialists participate in a broader research pool. Researchers generally work with one or two faculty members at a time, with assignments potentially changing from semester to semester or annually.
This structure allows participants to gain exposure to different research questions, datasets, analytical approaches, and quantitative techniques. It can also help recent graduates develop relationships with faculty and other researchers while gaining a better understanding of doctoral-level academic research.
Participating faculty include researchers working in areas such as labor markets, education, inequality, public policy, and applied economics.
Salary and Benefits
The Princeton Senior Research Specialist position provides recent graduates with practical research training and professional development opportunities.
Selected candidates can expect:
- Annual salary of approximately US$60,000–65,000
- Full-time, in-person employment at Princeton University
- Collaboration with experienced economists and researchers
- Practical experience with academic and policy research
- Opportunities to participate in research workshops and conferences
- Interaction with Princeton’s wider community of predoctoral researchers
- Exposure to advanced empirical and econometric methods
The initial appointment is for one year. Candidates who are prepared to make a two-year commitment may receive strong consideration because longer appointments can provide greater continuity for ongoing research projects.
Key Responsibilities
Senior Research Specialists assist faculty members with a wide range of research activities. The position is particularly suitable for graduates who enjoy working with data, conducting quantitative analysis, and exploring economic and public-policy questions.
Typical responsibilities may include:
- Collecting and organizing research datasets
- Cleaning and managing large datasets
- Processing survey and census information
- Conducting statistical and econometric analysis
- Assisting with survey development and implementation
- Reviewing academic literature
- Preparing research summaries and reports
- Gathering information from online sources
- Supporting empirical research projects
- Helping faculty members with quantitative research tasks
Through these responsibilities, participants can develop valuable experience working with administrative records, surveys, and other large-scale social science datasets.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have completed a BA or BS degree by Spring 2027. The position is aimed at candidates with a strong academic background in economics, mathematics, statistics, or a related quantitative discipline.
Applicants are generally expected to have:
- A bachelor’s degree in Economics, Mathematics, or a closely related field
- Strong coursework in economics, mathematics, and statistics
- Knowledge of statistics and econometrics
- Strong analytical and research abilities
- Excellent academic writing skills
- Experience using Stata for statistical programming
Additional technical experience can strengthen an application. Preferred skills may include familiarity with Unix or Linux environments, HTML, online research tools, and social science or education datasets.
Application Documents
Applicants should carefully prepare their application materials before applying. Princeton requires candidates to combine several documents into one PDF file and upload it in the appropriate section of the online application.
The application package should include:
- Updated resume or CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts, official or unofficial
- Writing sample
- Code sample in PDF format
- Names and contact information for three references
Applicants should ensure that their documents are clearly organized and that their academic and research experience is easy to identify.
Employment and Visa Information
This is a fully in-person position in Princeton, New Jersey. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
International applicants should pay particular attention to the university’s work-authorization requirements. Princeton states that the position can accommodate one year of OPT employment, but it is not eligible for a STEM OPT extension.
Applicants who require long-term U.S. work authorization should therefore carefully evaluate their individual circumstances before applying.
Successful candidates should also be prepared to cover their own relocation expenses.
Online Information Session
Prospective applicants can learn more about the position by attending an online information session hosted by current Senior Research Specialists.
Date: September 25, 2026
Time: 1:30–2:30 p.m. Eastern Time
The session is expected to provide an overview of the program, answer frequently asked questions, and include a live question-and-answer session with current research staff. Candidates who cannot attend may be able to request access to a recorded overview.
Why Consider This Predoctoral Opportunity?
A predoctoral research position can be particularly useful for graduates considering a future PhD in economics, public policy, or another quantitative social science discipline.
Working on real research projects allows participants to develop practical skills that may not be fully gained through undergraduate coursework alone. These can include data management, econometric analysis, academic writing, literature reviews, research design, and working with large administrative or survey datasets.
The Princeton position also provides exposure to faculty research and the academic environment of a major U.S. research university.
Princeton University Senior Research Specialist 2028 – Quick Details
Position: Senior Research Specialist (Predoctoral Research Assistant) – AY28
Institution: Princeton University Industrial Relations Section
Location: Princeton, New Jersey, USA
Expected Start: Around July 5, 2027
Duration: One year, with consideration for a two-year commitment
Salary: US$60,000–65,000 per year
Degree Requirement: BA or BS completed by Spring 2027
Application Review: Rolling basis
Work Arrangement: Fully in-person
How to Apply
Interested graduates should review the official Princeton University position details, confirm that they meet all academic and employment requirements, and prepare the required documents before submitting an application.
Official Application: Princeton University Senior Research Specialist AY28
Applicants should rely on the official Princeton University source for the latest information regarding requirements, application procedures, employment authorization, and any changes to the position.
Conclusion
The Princeton University Senior Research Specialist position offers recent graduates an opportunity to gain intensive experience in economics research before pursuing advanced study or a research-oriented career. With a salary of US$60,000–65,000, faculty collaboration, quantitative research responsibilities, and professional development opportunities, the role is aimed at candidates who have a strong interest in empirical economics and related social sciences.
Those considering the opportunity should prepare their application carefully, demonstrate their quantitative and research skills, and verify all current requirements through Princeton University before applying.
