Part-time Research Assistant Positions

About the research

Professor Shanon Hsuan-Ming Hsu at the Department of Economics is hiring several part-time research assistants for a set of projects on the historical origins of Taiwan’s postwar economic growth. My research spans economic history, development economics, political economy, and urban economics.

The projects combine newly digitized historical data with modern empirical methods in economics; research topics include:
1. The postwar Nationalist bureaucracy and its economic policies
2. The diffusion of agricultural technology and structural transformation
3. The long-run effects of urban/spatial planning on regional development


Responsibilities

– Data entry, cleaning, and validation of historical statistics, rosters, and archival documents
– Georeferencing and digitizing historical maps and features in QGIS
– Writing and maintaining data-processing scripts (R preferred)
– Checking and correcting OCR output; record linkage across sources
– Keeping clear documentation of data sources and procedures

Qualifications

– Currently enrolled NTU student, undergraduate or graduate, any department; 3rd-year or above in economics or related fields preferred
– Careful and patient with detailed work; comfortable with traditional-character historical documents
– Basic programming experience (R, Python, or Julia) and familiarity with AI coding tools, or willingness to learn
– Familiarity with QGIS is a plus
– Interest in economic history is a plus

Pay and duration

– Schedule flexible
– NT$ 6,000-8,000/month, depending on experience
– Start date flexible, ideally on or before October 1; initially for 3 months, renewable by mutual agreement
– Work location: College of Social Sciences, NTU, or remote

What you will gain

Hands-on experience in building and analyzing historical datasets, training in R and GIS, and exposure to how empirical research in economic history is done. Mentorship for graduate school applications.

How to apply

If interested, email the following to shmhsu@ntu.edu.tw with the subject line “RA Application – [Your Name]”:

1. A short CV (one page), including degree program, year, and coursework in economics, statistics, and programming
2. An unofficial transcript
3. A brief statement (half a page) on why you are interested and any relevant experience

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a short interview.