Junior Researcher / Research Assistant in Economics

Om jobbet

Climate Hazards and Migration (CHAIN project)

The Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) invites applications for a full-time Junior Researcher / Research Assistant in Economics, based in Uppsala.

You will join a research project funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR): "Climate Hazards and Migration in Madagascar: Towards an Integrated Monitoring and Modeling for Mitigation and Adaptation" (CHAIN).

The project examines how climate change interacts with vulnerability and migration dynamics, with a focus on producing research that is both academically rigorous and relevant for policy and practice.

At its current stage, the work is centred on data analysis and the development of research outputs for academic publication and policy audiences.

About the role

You will be part of a small, collaborative research team and work closely with Senior Researcher Assem Abu Hatab, who leads the project. In this role, you will work closely with the project lead in day-to-day research activities.

The role combines analytical work and research support, while offering the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research in a real research setting. You will support the development of research outputs for both academic and policy audiences and gain insight into how research is communicated beyond academia. You will also take part in seminars and workshops, contributing to an active and international research environment. Depending on project needs and progress, there may also be opportunities to contribute to academic publications.

Your responsibilities will include:

Cleaning, managing and analysing large and complex datasets

Supporting the development and implementation of econometric and statistical models

Assisting in drafting academic manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals

Contributing to policy briefs and research summaries

Supporting communication of research findings to both academic and non-academic audiences

Participating in seminars, workshops and collaborative research activities at NAI

Qualifications

You hold a Master's degree (MSc) in Economics or a closely related quantitative social science field.

The candidate must demonstrate:

Strong training in econometrics and quantitative data analysis

Experience working with large datasets, including data cleaning, merging, and management

Proficiency in statistical tools such as STATA, or programming languages like R and Python.

Experience in, or demonstrated ability to engage in, academic writing and manuscript preparation

Ability to interpret empirical results and contribute to policy-relevant research outputs

Experience in project management, including administrative coordination

In addition, the candidate should have:

Experience working in international, interdisciplinary, and policy-oriented research and academic environments, particularly in contexts relevant to low- and middle-income countries

Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines

Excellent communication skills and fluency in English (written and spoken)

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team

The following is highly desirable:

Familiarity with climate change, development, migration, or environmental economics

Experience contributing to policy engagement activities (e.g. briefs, blogs, stakeholder communication)

About the employment

This is a full-time temporary position for six months, with the possibility of extension depending on project needs and performance.

Start date: By agreement

Location: Uppsala, Sweden

Salary: Set individually based on qualifications and experience

About NAI

The Nordic Africa Institute is a Swedish government agency with a mission to produce, share and communicate research-based knowledge on contemporary Africa.

Our work connects research with policy and practice, contributing to informed decision-making on global development challenges.

We offer a stable and professional work environment in an international setting, where research, policy and practice meet.

Application

Your application should include:

CV

Educational certificates and transcripts

Motivation letter (maximum two pages)

Example(s) of written work (e.g., thesis chapter, research paper or report)

Contact details for up to three referees

Additional materials may be requested.

The last date to apply: 2026-05-31