Research Assistant Positions – NTU Structural Economics Lab
We are hiring full-time and part-time Research Assistants at the NTU Structural Economics Lab, led by Profs. Joonkyo Hong and Toshiaki Komatsu. This English-speaking lab operates under the Taiwan Trade Empirics Research Team (台灣貿易實証), directed by Prof. Jin-Tan Liu. It focuses on empirical research spanning industrial organization, international trade, spatial, and labor.
Our research agenda broadly covers enterprises’ behavior and related economic policies using model-based applied economic tools. Current topics include:
- Trade liberalization and firm dynamics
- Industrial policy and productivity
- Market power in labor and input markets
- Firm life cycle and resilience of supply chains
- Transmission of global shocks to local firms and workers
- Wage inequality and factor misallocation
We work with a uniquely rich set of administrative microdata, including:
- Matched employer–employee datasets
- Firm financial statements
- International customs transactions
- Firm-to-firm buyer-supplier networks
- Firm cross-border investment activities
Research Tasks
As a research assistant, you will contribute to various aspects of empirical work, including:
- Reviews of academic literature and institutional background
- Cleaning, merging, and managing large firm-level and administrative datasets
- Conducting statistical analyses
- Creating visualizations and tables for presentations and publications
- Participating in regular research meetings and discussions
- Assisting in drafting memos or technical documentation based on results
Specific tasks will be assigned based on your skills and interests.
Work Environment
- Most work will be conducted in a secure data enclave located in Taipei City
- Occasional in-person meetings will be held on the NTU campus
- Start date: Flexible and negotiable
Qualifications
We welcome applications from:
- NTU undergraduate students (junior or above) and graduate students
- All majors are welcome; backgrounds in Economics, Math, CS, or related fields are preferred
- Students who are responsible and trustworthy, as the work involves handling sensitive enclave data
- Students who are familiar with or eager to learn STATA, Python, R, MATLAB, or Julia
- Students who are proficient in English
Prior coursework in econometrics, data science, or microeconomic theory is a strong brownie point, but not required.
Why Join Us
- Gain hands-on experience working with high-quality administrative microdata, alongside senior RAs
- Work closely with faculty on cutting-edge, model-based empirical research
- Strengthen your preparation for graduate school, pre-doctoral fellowships, or data-intensive industry positions
- Receive individual mentorship and develop your research portfolio
- Be part of a collaborative, English-speaking, interdisciplinary, and globally connected research team
Application Instructions
Please send the following materials to ntu.structuralecon@gmail.com:
- CV (in English)
- Transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
- Graduate students only: a 1-page statement of research interests (optional for undergraduate)
Please use the subject line: “Application for RA – [Your English Name]”
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a brief interview. We look forward to hearing from you.