Senior Research Associate – The Heterogeneous Impacts of Air Pollution on Workers

Position: Senior Research Associate

Project:  The Heterogeneous Impacts of Air Pollution on Workers

Country: India

Location: Remote

Start Date: 15th July,2025

Education: A master’s degree in data science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering and Economics or a related field. A focus on environmental studies or economics is a plus
Organization: J-PAL South Asia at IFMR

PIs: Shefali Khanna, Anshuman Tiwari, Ed Rubin (University of Oregon)

 

About J-PAL South Asia

 

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) J-PAL was established in 2003 as a research center at the Economics Department at MIT. Since then, it has grown into a global network of researchers who use randomized evaluations to answer critical policy questions in the fight against poverty. J-PAL is propelled by a first-rate team dedicated to research, policy, training, and other vital work, supporting J-PAL's mission to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence.


J-PAL South Asia, based at the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) in Chennai, leads J-PAL’s efforts to advance evidence-informed policymaking in the region. By conducting rigorous randomized evaluations, forging impactful strategic partnerships, and scaling effective programs, we strive to deliver better evidence to help governments design better policies so people can live better lives. Established in 2007, J-PAL South Asia is the oldest and the largest among all J-PAL offices. We have 255 ongoing and completed evaluations in the South Asia region across 11 sectors to date. We have a growing number of partnerships in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

 

Project Description:

Air pollution in the form of fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter (PM2.5) is by the far the largest cause of mortality and morbidity among environmental harms, particularly in developing countries like India. The economic impacts of air pollution on Indian households are likely to be of first-order importance for welfare, yet we know little about impacts on outcomes such as household income and consumption. Our exploratory project will help address this gap by providing the first evidence on the impacts of air pollution from coal-fired power plants on individual-level economic outcomes in India

J-PAL SA is seeking a highly motivated “Senior Research Associate” who will conduct cutting-edge empirical research in the Economics of the Environment and Climate Change. The candidate will ideally want to pursue a career in empirical research or adjacent fields; this is the ideal opportunity to learn about what that entails. Their main responsibilities can include (1) literature reviews, (2) constructing large datasets from secondary sources such as remotely sensed, administrative and survey data; predicting missing data with AI/ML tools, (3) summarizing data through graphs, tables and maps, (4) conducting analysis using empirical methods to answer specific research questions.

About the Role

J-PAL South Asia is inviting expressions of interest for upcoming Senior Research Associate (SRA) positions across a variety of sectors and geographies. SRAs at J-PAL play a central role in managing the implementation of randomized evaluations, working closely with researchers from leading Universities around the world, ensuring that each evaluation is designed and implemented with precision and rigor.

Key Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a Senior Research Associate typically include, but are not limited to:

 

  • Supporting researchers in developing and refining study protocols through in-field scoping activities. You will provide contextual and operational insights to help researchers shape experimental protocols that are methodologically rigorous and feasible within the study setting.

  • Strengthening measurement validity and reliability by assisting in the development and piloting of survey instruments. You will be responsible for organizing field tests, analyzing pilot data, and integrating structured feedback loops to improve the precision and accuracy of indicators.

  • Enable accurate and efficient data capture through the programming of digital surveys and development of end-to-end data workflows. This includes incorporating survey logic, real-time checks, and secure data transmission to ensure clean, analysis-ready datasets.

  • Ensuring collection of high-quality primary data—recruiting, training, and managing field teams to collect data that meets rigorous research standards.

  • Safeguarding data integrity in consultation with the research team by setting up and maintaining systems for real-time quality monitoring. You will identify issues in incoming data, identify solutions in collaboration with the researchers, and implement corrective measures.

  • Preparing analysis-ready datasets by writing reproducible code (in Stata, R, or Python), generating summary statistics, and contributing to the analytical preparation for publications, working closely with researchers.

  • Facilitating alignment between research teams and implementation partners to ensure that project implementation aligns with study protocols. You will coordinate timelines, share updates across teams, and help troubleshoot day-to-day challenges while maintaining strong working relationships with external stakeholders.

 

  • Ensuring transparency and reproducibility by developing and maintaining detailed documentation, including codebooks, field protocols, and project logs that align with academic standards and support eventual replication and publication.

  • Maintaining strict adherence to J-PAL’s research protocols throughout all stages of the research lifecycle.

 

Required Knowledge and Skills:

  • A master’s degree in data science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering and Economics or a related field. A focus on environmental studies or economics is a plus. Candidates with experience of some research in their master’s would be preferred. Exceptional candidates with a bachelor’s degree and some research experience may also apply. Sound understanding of impact evaluation methods, especially randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
  • At least 3 years of proven experience on empirical research in economics. Strong preference will be given to candidates with experience of working with R. Experience with digital data collection platforms such as SurveyCTO or Qualtrics
  • Ability to compile, clean, organize and harmonize large datasets and convert them into user-friendly formats.
  • Proficiency in data mining, web scraping, statistical analysis
  • Proficient in programming languages such as Stata, Python or R, GIS tools for data analysis and visualization.
  • Experience of working with large datasets including administrative data and geospatial data
  • Excellent data analysis and visualization skills, 
  • Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams and adapt to evolving project requirements.
  • Fluent in English (written and oral)
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms and big data technologies (e.g., Google Earth Engine) is desirable.
  • Experience with AI/ML techniques is desirable

 

Note on Work Authorizations:

Candidates must have work authorization to work in India.