Application Guide
How to Apply for Associate in Research/ Predoctoral Research Associate - DevLab@Duke (Duke University)
at Duke University
🏢 About Duke University
DevLab@Duke is a unique applied research center that bridges academic social science with real-world development practice, focusing on evidence-based policy impact for vulnerable populations globally. Unlike purely academic settings, it emphasizes direct collaboration with government and industry partners to translate research into actionable programming. Working here offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful development work while being embedded in Duke University's prestigious economics department under the leadership of noted economist Erica Field.
About This Role
This Predoctoral Research Associate role involves hands-on work on rigorous impact evaluations of international development programs, including data collection, analysis, and research support for faculty-led projects. You'll contribute directly to generating evidence on what works to improve economic and human development outcomes, with findings that influence both academic literature and policy decisions affecting vulnerable communities worldwide.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing survey data from a field experiment in Stata or R, preparing literature reviews for a new research proposal, participating in lab meetings to discuss methodological challenges, and collaborating with faculty or graduate students on manuscript preparation. You might also engage with development partners to understand implementation constraints or help design data collection instruments for upcoming field work.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Duke University Is Looking For
- Strong quantitative skills with experience in statistical software (Stata, R, or Python) for analyzing development economics data
- Background in economics, international development, or related social sciences with coursework or research in impact evaluation methods
- Interest in applied research that bridges academic rigor with practical policy implications in areas like health, education, gender, or labor markets
- Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams and communicate technical findings to both academic and practitioner audiences
📝 Tips for Applying to Duke University
Highlight specific experience with development economics research methods (RCTs, quasi-experimental designs) rather than just general research skills
Demonstrate knowledge of DevLab@Duke's current projects by referencing specific working papers or field initiatives from their website
Show how your background aligns with their focus areas (economic growth, education, gender, governance, health, labor markets) with concrete examples
Emphasize both technical skills AND your understanding of the practical challenges of field research in development contexts
Connect your research interests to Erica Field's work or other DevLab faculty's specific research agendas
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your experience with development economics research methods and data analysis tools', "Specific interest in DevLab's mission of connecting academic research with practitioner communities", "How your background prepares you for the lab's collaborative, interdisciplinary environment", 'Alignment with their focus on vulnerable populations and evidence-informed programming']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read several recent DevLab@Duke working papers to understand their methodological approaches and substantive focus areas
- → Research Erica Field's publications and current projects to understand the lab's leadership direction
- → Review DevLab's partner organizations and ongoing field initiatives to understand their practical engagement
- → Examine the Department of Economics faculty at Duke to understand the broader academic context
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on academic research interests without demonstrating understanding of practical development challenges
- Presenting generic research skills without specific examples related to development economics or impact evaluation
- Failing to show awareness of DevLab's specific mission of bridging research and practice
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Duke University!