The Industrial Relations Section (IRS), a center for research in labor economics and related fields, invites applications from motivated individuals for positions assisting faculty members in all aspects of their research. Predoctoral research specialists join a pool and are assigned to work with one to two faculty at any given time. Assignments can rotate on an annual basis so that research specialists gain experience with different types of research topics, tools, and methods. Current faculty are:
Zachary Bleemer
Pauline Carry
Ellora Derenoncourt
Will Dobbie
Simon Jäger
David Lee
Owen Zidar
The Section is renowned for its inclusive, supportive atmosphere, in which faculty, staff, and students interact in both formal and informal activities. Section research staff also engage in professional development and social activities with research staff members in other Economics units and related units in the School for Public and International Affairs. For more about the section, see this video. For more about support for research staff’s individual research, see posts about the recent local predoctoral research conference and a larger collaborative conference hosted at Yale University.
For more information, register for a Zoom info session with current research specialists.
INFO SESSION: September 25, 2026 1:30pm – 2:30pm ET
Important Application Information
All interested applicants who will have earned a college degree by the spring of 2027 are encouraged to apply. We seek candidates who can start on or around July 5, 2027.
This is a one-year term position with the potential for one additional year renewal. Candidates who are eligible to commit to two years will be strongly considered. The position is based in Princeton, NJ, and will be an in-person role. The candidate must be eligible to work in the US; relocation would be the responsibility of the candidate (if applicable). Princeton is a limited E-Verify employer. This position is not eligible for STEM OPT extension; OPT is acceptable for one year only.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and as such, we encourage applicants to apply early. Short-listed applicants will be contacted for an interview. Candidates are required to upload the following as a SINGLE PDF: (Upload to the "Other Documents" field in the online application.)
The Senior Research Specialist will be expected to:
Essential
Preferred
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.
If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.
Job details are sourced from the employer's original posting.
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Princeton University is a private Ivy League research university in Princeton, New Jersey. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States.