Application Guide

How to Apply for Pre-Doctoral Fellow Position

at Harvard Center for International Development (CID)

🏢 About Harvard Center for International Development (CID)

The Harvard Center for International Development (CID) is a premier research center that bridges academic rigor with real-world policy impact, particularly in developing economies. What makes CID unique is its focus on using randomized control trials and systems approaches to address pressing global challenges, offering unparalleled access to Harvard's research ecosystem and influential policy networks.

About This Role

This Pre-Doctoral Fellow position with Dr. Vesall Nourani at the Embedded Development Lab involves supporting economic research on education interventions in developing contexts, with a focus on data analysis, literature reviews, and fieldwork preparation. The role is impactful because it contributes directly to evidence-based education policy while providing exceptional training for future doctoral studies in economics or education policy.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve cleaning and analyzing RCT data using Stata or R, conducting literature reviews on education interventions, preparing research materials for fieldwork, and participating in lab meetings to discuss ongoing projects. You'd collaborate closely with Dr. Nourani and other lab members while developing skills essential for doctoral studies in economics or education policy.

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🎯 Who Harvard Center for International Development (CID) Is Looking For

  • Strong quantitative background with proficiency in Stata, R, or Python for data analysis of randomized control trials
  • Coursework or experience in development economics, education economics, or applied microeconomics
  • Research experience with large datasets and familiarity with econometric methods
  • Interest in education policy in developing countries and ability to work in a fast-paced academic research environment

📝 Tips for Applying to Harvard Center for International Development (CID)

1

Explicitly mention your experience with randomized control trial data analysis in your resume, as this is central to Dr. Nourani's methodology

2

Highlight any coursework or projects related to education in developing countries, even if not directly with Dr. Nourani's specific geographic focus

3

Demonstrate familiarity with the Embedded Development Lab's mission by referencing how your skills align with their systems approach to education research

4

If you have experience with fieldwork or data collection in developing contexts, emphasize this as it's valuable for potential project needs

5

Tailor your application to show how this pre-doctoral position fits into your specific academic trajectory toward a PhD in economics or education policy

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific quantitative skills and experience with economic research methods relevant to education interventions', "How your research interests align with Dr. Nourani's work and the Embedded Development Lab's focus on systems approaches", 'Your understanding of the policy implications of education research in developing contexts', 'Why this particular pre-doctoral position at CID/HGSE is critical for your academic and professional development']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read at least 2-3 of Dr. Vesall Nourani's recent publications to understand her research approach and interests
  • → Explore the Embedded Development Lab's website and mission statement to understand their specific focus areas
  • → Review CID's broader research portfolio to understand how this position fits within Harvard's development research ecosystem
  • → Familiarize yourself with current debates in education economics in developing countries, particularly regarding RCT methodologies

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your experience cleaning and analyzing RCT data, including specific challenges you've encountered
2 How you would approach designing a research study on an education intervention in a developing country context
3 Your understanding of the trade-offs between different econometric methods for evaluating education programs
4 Questions about specific papers from Dr. Nourani's research portfolio or the Embedded Development Lab's work
5 How you handle multiple research tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced academic environment
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't reference Dr. Nourani's specific research or the Embedded Development Lab
  • Overstating quantitative skills without concrete examples of data analysis projects or coursework
  • Focusing only on the Harvard brand without demonstrating genuine interest in education research in developing contexts

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Harvard Center for International Development (CID)!

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