Senior Research Associate

Job Summary

In 2007, Karlan and Zinman collaborated with Compartamos Banco to randomize a reduction in interest rates across all branches of this bank in Mexico. The reduction in interest rates led to an increase in demand for credit, and a 10-percentage point lower interest rate in the treatment group resulted in an additional loan of MXN 1,000 in the first year and MXN 3,800 in the third year of the experiment (Long-Run Price Elasticities of Demand for Credit: Evidence from a Countrywide Field Experiment in Mexico, 2019).

Nine years after the original experiment, researchers are seeking to answer some questions about the long-term impacts of interest rate variations. Mainly, whether this increase in lending caused by the interest rate reduction had long-term general equilibrium effects on business growth. The research will use data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) to measure the long-term effects on other businesses. The results they will analyze include access to credit, employment, sales, profits, and business growth during the period from 2007 to 2025.

The ideal candidate is fluent in both English and Spanish, has an excellent academic record, a bachelor's or master's degree, experience in performing statistical analysis in Stata or R, and is interested in pursuing a doctoral program in economics, finance, or public policy. Previous experience working with data at the INEGI Microdata Laboratory is desirable but not required. The selected candidate will work in coordination with Sean Higgins, Dean Karlan (Kellogg School of Management) and Jonathan Zinman (Dartmouth College) and the Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) research team in Mexico.

This is a defined term contract, for either three months of full-time work or six months of part-time (50%) dedication. The selected candidate must be available to work in person at the INEGI Microdata Laboratory in Mexico City for the duration of the contract. Candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible, but no later than February 20, 2026.

Responsibilities

Access data sets at the INEGI Microdata Laboratory

• Complete INEGI’s mandatory training prior to accessing the Microdata Laboratory

• Write analysis code and run it on site at the Microdata Laboratory to answer questions about access to credit, employment, sales, profits, and business growth

• Follow rigorous data safety protocols to maintain access to the Microdata Laboratory

Perform statistical analyses of large data sets, primarily using R and Stata

• Collaborate with the principal investigators in analyzing datasets

• Write up results for presentations and publications

Qualifications

• Fluent in English and Spanish

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, political science, or related fields

• Proficiency in performing statistical analysis in Stata or R (both are a plus)

Location

Mexico City, Mexico

Application Details

Deadline: February 27th, 2026

About IPA

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy nonprofit that discovers and advances what works to improve the lives of people living in poverty. IPA brings together researchers and decision-makers to design, rigorously evaluate, and refine these solutions and their applications, ensuring that the evidence created is used to improve the lives of people living in poverty. In recent decades, trillions of dollars have been spent on programs designed to reduce global poverty, but clear evidence of which programs succeed is rare, and when evidence does exist, decision-makers often do not know about it. IPA exists to bring together leading researchers and these decision-makers to ensure that the evidence we create leads to a tangible impact on the world. Since its founding in 2002, IPA has worked with over 600 leading academics to conduct over 1,000 evaluations in 52 countries. This research has informed hundreds of successful programs that now impact millions of individuals worldwide.

Safeguarding at IPA

At Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), we are committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults. As IPA adheres to strict safeguarding principles, selected candidates will be expected to adhere to the standards. By joining IPA, you become part of a team dedicated to ethical conduct, social responsibility, and meaningful impact in the fight against global poverty. Together, we work to create a better world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive with dignity and respect.