The Stone Centre on Wealth and Income Inequality at the Vancouver School of Economics (VSE), University of British Columbia (UBC), is excited to announce a full-time Predoctoral Fellow position in collaboration with Sam Norris, Faculty Affiliate at the Stone Centre. This opportunity will focus on research in labour economics and/or the economics of crime, offering a unique platform for gaining valuable research experience in a leading academic environment.
About the Role
As a Predoctoral Fellow, you will have the chance to work directly with Dr. Sam Norris and other leading economists at VSE. This role will provide exposure to all stages of the research process—from data collection and analysis to preparing research findings. It’s an ideal stepping stone for individuals planning to pursue a PhD in economics or related fields.
The position is a full-time, one-year appointment, with the possibility of an extension to two years, based at the Vancouver School of Economics at UBC, Vancouver, Canada. The anticipated start date is September 2025, with flexibility for the right candidate.
Responsibilities
- Assist in data collection, cleaning, and analysis for research projects related to labour economics and the economics of crime
- Analyze large, complex datasets using advanced software tools (Stata, R, GIS, Matlab, Julia, Python)
- Contribute to literature reviews, report drafting, and preparation of research findings
- Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge economic methodologies
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for highly motivated candidates who:
- Have completed an undergraduate or Master’s degree in Economics or a related field
- Possess a strong quantitative background and some programming experience
- Can work independently and collaboratively within a research team
- Plan to pursue a PhD in Economics or a related field
We strongly encourage applications from individuals who bring diverse perspectives, including those from historically underrepresented or marginalized groups.
Compensation and Benefits
- Base Salary: $4,757 CAD per month (approx. $57,084 CAD annually)
- Benefits as per UBC guidelines
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Maximum 2 pages
- Academic Transcripts
- One-page cover letter outlining your academic background, research interests, and future goals
In your cover letter, please indicate your citizenship status and whether or not you have authorization to work in Canada (e.g., permanent resident, post-graduate work permit, etc.).
Please submit your application to vse.predocs@ubc.ca with the subject line: “Predoctoral Fellow Application 2025”. Applications close August 15, 2025 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
To be selected for an interview, candidates must demonstrate that they are legally eligible to work in Canada or that they are eligible to secure a work permit in Canada without sponsorship (e.g., working holiday visa).
Due to the high volume of applications, only selected candidates will be contacted.
We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you to the Vancouver School of Economics!