Yale University Tobin Center
The Yale Tobin Center Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program 2027–2028 is inviting applications from qualified individuals interested in gaining advanced research experience in economics and preparing for doctoral studies. Hosted by the Tobin Center for Economic Policy and the Department of Economics at Yale University, the programme offers an opportunity to work closely with leading faculty members on policy-relevant economic research while developing the technical, analytical, and academic skills required for a future PhD. The programme is designed for individuals who have completed a bachelor's or master's degree and are considering pursuing a PhD in economics or a closely related discipline. Successful applicants will join Yale as full-time pre-doctoral research fellows, working under the supervision of one or more faculty mentors for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of renewing their appointments for a second and final year. Unlike a conventional postgraduate degree, the Yale Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program provides practical, hands-on research training within an active university research environment. Fellows contribute to ongoing faculty research projects, gain experience with data-intensive social science research, and participate in professional development and academic activities that can strengthen their preparation for doctoral study. The 2027–2028 cohort is particularly relevant to graduates interested in economic policy, development economics, public finance, environmental and energy economics, health economics, housing, criminal justice, social protection, and other areas of applied economic research. Applications are currently open and will be considered on a rolling basis until all available positions have been filled. Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to review the available research positions and submit their applications as early as possible. About the Yale Tobin Center for Economic Policy The Tobin Center for Economic Policy at Yale University supports research that addresses important economic and public policy questions. Its work brings together academic researchers and policy-oriented research initiatives to generate evidence that can contribute to the understanding and improvement of public policy. The Tobin Center Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program operates alongside other research centres at Yale that support data-intensive research across the social sciences. Through these collaborations, fellows can become involved in research examining economic conditions, government policies, public institutions, social programmes, and other issues with significant implications for society. The programme is also connected to the Yale Department of Economics, providing fellows with opportunities to engage with the academic environment in which economic research and doctoral training take place. A central objective of the programme is to provide high-quality education and research training for individuals who may wish to pursue doctoral studies. By working directly with faculty members, fellows gain exposure to the research process, including the development of research questions, the analysis of data, the application of economic methods, and the communication of research findings. The programme also recognises the importance of diversity in academic research. It welcomes applicants from different backgrounds, identities, viewpoints, academic experiences, and intellectual interests. Applicants are encouraged to explain how their experiences and research interests could contribute to the programme's academic community. Overview of the Yale Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program 2027–2028 The Yale Tobin Center Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program is a full-time, on-campus research training opportunity for graduates interested in economics and related disciplines. The programme combines faculty-supervised research, academic engagement, professional development, and additional coursework. Fellows are integrated into Yale's research environment and are expected to contribute to the work of their assigned faculty supervisors. Key programme details • Opportunity: Tobin Center / Economics Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program • Host institution: Yale University • Participating units: Tobin Center for Economic Policy and Yale Department of Economics • Cohort: 2027–2028 • Opportunity type: Full-time pre-doctoral research fellowship and training position • Study level: For individuals with bachelor's or master's degrees • Research areas: Economics and closely related disciplines • Location: Yale University campus, United States • Work arrangement: On-campus • Duration: One year, with an option to renew for a second and final year • Expected start: Most positions begin in July, although other start dates may be negotiable • Compensation: Competitive salary • Benefits: Standard employment benefits, including health insurance • Visa sponsorship: Available for accepted international candidates unless an individual project description states otherwise • Application status: Open for the 2027–2028 cohort • Application deadline: Rolling admissions until positions are filled What the Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program Offers The Yale Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program is structured to provide more than an ordinary research assistantship. It combines practical research responsibilities with academic and professional development opportunities that help fellows prepare for future doctoral studies. 1. Full-Time Research Experience with Yale Faculty Successful candidates will work as full-time research trainees under the supervision of one or more Yale faculty mentors. This is one of the programme's most important features because fellows gain direct exposure to academic research and the practical demands of working on policy-relevant economic questions. Depending on their assigned projects, fellows may contribute to research activities involving data, economic analysis, policy evaluation, and other forms of empirical or theoretical investigation. Working closely with faculty supervisors also provides an opportunity to understand how academic research is developed, organised, conducted, and communicated. For graduates considering a PhD in economics, this experience can help them develop a clearer understanding of doctoral-level research and strengthen their preparation for future academic applications. 2. Opportunity to Take University Courses Fellows can take one course per semester either for academic credit or through auditing. This arrangement allows participants to continue developing their academic knowledge while working on research projects. The opportunity to take courses may be particularly useful for fellows who want to strengthen their understanding of economics, research methods, quantitative analysis, or related disciplines before beginning a doctoral programme. Candidates should review the specific academic requirements and course arrangements with the programme or relevant faculty supervisors. 3. Weekly Professional Development Seminars The programme includes a weekly professional development seminar. These seminars are intended to support fellows as they develop the skills and knowledge required for research careers and doctoral study. Professional development is an important part of pre-doctoral training because academic success requires more than technical research ability. Prospective doctoral students also benefit from understanding academic expectations, research communication, professional networks, and the process of preparing for graduate study. 4. Access to Department Research Seminars Fellows will have opportunities to attend research seminars organised by the Yale Department of Economics. These seminars expose participants to ongoing academic discussions, new research findings, and the methods used by economists working on different questions. Attending research seminars can also help fellows identify areas of interest, become familiar with current debates in economics, and learn how researchers present and defend their work. 5. Shared Research Workspace and Peer Learning Most fellows work in common workspaces on campus. This arrangement is intended to encourage camaraderie, collaboration, and peer learning among participants. Being part of a shared research environment can help fellows exchange ideas, discuss research challenges, learn from one another, and build relationships with other individuals preparing for doctoral study. The programme therefore provides both faculty mentorship and opportunities for interaction with fellow pre-doctoral researchers. Research Areas and Available Faculty-Supervised Positions Applicants can explore several research positions under the Yale Tobin Center Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program. Each position is associated with particular faculty supervisors and research interests. Candidates should carefully review the individual project descriptions before applying, as the responsibilities, preferred qualifications, programming requirements, and additional application instructions may differ between positions. The available projects listed for the 2027–2028 cohort include the following: 1. Accelerating Infrastructure Construction, Taxing the Rich, and Building State Capacity Faculty sponsor: Zachary Liscow This research position focuses on important questions concerning infrastructure development, taxation, and state capacity. These topics are central to public economics and economic policy. Infrastructure construction can influence economic productivity, public investment, and long-term development, while taxation and state capacity are important for understanding how governments raise revenue and implement public policies. Applicants interested in public finance, government institutions, infrastructure policy, taxation, and economic development may find this research area particularly relevant. 2. Development and Experimental Economics Research Fellow Faculty sponsors: Rohini Pande and Maria Kogelnik This position focuses on development economics and experimental research. Development economics examines the economic and institutional conditions that influence development outcomes, particularly in lower-income settings. Experimental economics can provide evidence about how individuals, households, organisations, and institutions respond to different policies and interventions. This position may be particularly relevant to candidates interested in poverty reduction, development policy, economic behaviour, institutional effectiveness, and evidence-based approaches to improving development outcomes. 3. Development Economics Research Fellow Faculty sponsor: Rohini Pande This research position is also focused on development economics. Applicants interested in economic development, policy interventions, inequality, institutional performance, and the relationship between economic conditions and public policy may wish to explore this opportunity. Candidates should consult the individual project description for the specific research responsibilities and qualifications required. 4. Economics of the Safety Net Faculty sponsors: Chima Ndumele and Jacob Wallace This research area examines the economics of social safety nets and related public policy questions. Social safety nets are important instruments for supporting individuals and households facing economic vulnerability. Research in this area can contribute to understanding how public programmes are designed, implemented, and evaluated. Candidates interested in social protection, welfare policy, poverty, public expenditure, and the economic effects of government assistance programmes may find this position relevant. 5. Energy and Environmental Economics Research Fellow Faculty sponsor: Nicholas Ryan This position focuses on energy and environmental economics. Energy and environmental economics examines the relationship between economic activit