Research Associate - Economic Modelling & Data Analytics

Position Title

Research Associate

Department / Division

Economic Research & Policy Analysis

Employment Type

Full-Time | Contract / Permanent

Experience Required

Minimum 1 Year as Research Associate

Reporting To

Principal Researcher / Head of Research

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and analytically rigorous Research Associate to join our team. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge empirical and quantitative economic research, specialising in macroeconomic modelling, Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) frameworks, Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) construction, Supply-Use Tables (SUT), and Input-Output Tables (IOT). This role demands both theoretical depth and strong computational capability.

Key Responsibilities

Macroeconomic Modelling & Analysis

Design, build, and calibrate Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models for policy simulation and impact assessment.

Construct and update Social Accounting Matrices (SAM) by integrating data from national accounts, surveys, and administrative records.

Develop and balance Input-Output Tables (IOT) and Supply-Use Tables (SUT) in compliance with international statistical standards (UN SNA 2008).

Conduct macro-level scenario analysis including trade policy, fiscal interventions, and structural economic shocks.

Data Modelling & Computational Work

Formulate and implement data models to support CGE and IO frameworks using Python (NumPy, Pandas, SciPy).

Automate data cleaning, transformation, and validation pipelines for large multi-source economic datasets.

Develop robust numerical routines for matrix balancing (e.g., RAS method), calibration, and sensitivity testing.

Maintain reproducible, version-controlled codebases and documentation for all quantitative models.

Research & Publication

Author and co-author original research papers for submission to peer-reviewed international journals.

Contribute to working papers, policy briefs, technical reports, and conference presentations.

Engage with academic literature, synthesise findings, and identify research gaps in macroeconomics and applied economics.

Collaboration & Communication

Work closely with senior researchers, economists, and policy analysts on multi-disciplinary projects.

Present research findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior team members where required.

Educational Qualifications

Post-Graduate degree (M.A. / M.Sc. / M.Phil. / Ph.D.) in Economics, Mathematics, or Statistics from a recognised university.

Strong and consistent academic record with a minimum of 85% marks (or equivalent GPA/Grade) throughout all levels of education Class X, Class XII, Undergraduate, and Post-Graduate.

Specialisation or advanced coursework in Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Mathematical Economics, or Applied Statistics is highly preferred.

Candidates with a Ph.D. or enrolled in a doctoral programme are encouraged to apply.

Professional Experience

Minimum 1 year of hands-on experience as a Research Associate or equivalent role in an academic institution, think tank, government research body, or international organisation.

Demonstrated experience in building or contributing to CGE models, SAM construction, or IO analysis.

Proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed international journals at least one published / accepted paper is mandatory.

Experience working with national statistical data sources (NSO, World Bank, IMF, UN Comtrade, OECD, etc.) is desirable.

Technical Skills & Competencies

Programming

Excellent command of Python; proficiency in NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, Matplotlib. Familiarity with R, MATLAB, or Julia is an added advantage.

Economic Modelling

CGE modelling (GTAP, GAMS, or Python-based frameworks), SAM construction and balancing, SUT and IOT compilation and reconciliation.

Data & Statistics

Advanced econometric techniques, time-series analysis, panel data methods, and national accounts statistics.

Research Tools

LaTeX for academic writing, Git/GitHub for version control, Jupyter Notebooks, and familiarity with databases (SQL/API-based retrieval).

Desired Personal Attributes

Exceptional analytical and critical thinking with an ability to work with complex quantitative data.

Strong academic writing skills with demonstrated publication history in international peer-reviewed journals.

Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple research projects simultaneously.

Strong communication skills ability to translate technical findings into accessible language for diverse audiences.

Collaborative team player who is also capable of independent research with minimal supervision.

Intellectual curiosity and commitment to advancing economic knowledge through rigorous empirical inquiry.

What We Offer

Opportunity to contribute to high-impact policy-oriented and academic research.

Collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment.

Access to proprietary and global datasets, modelling tools, and research resources.

Support for conference participation, co-authorship opportunities, and professional development.

Competitive remuneration commensurate with qualifications and experience.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a complete list of publications.

Cover letter articulating research interests, relevant experience, and fit for the role.

Copies of mark sheets / transcripts from Class X through Post-Graduation.

Copies of or links to published research papers.

Two academic or professional references (name, designation, and contact details).

Applications not meeting the minimum academic threshold of 85% throughout their academic career or lacking the mandatory publication requirement will not be considered.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Please send your resumes at shefali.goel@isourse.com & akshit.xalxo@isourse.com