Senior Research Associate- Targeted, Flexible Microcredits in India

Senior Research Associate- Targeted, Flexible Microcredits in India- J-PAL South Asia

Organization: J-PAL South Asia

Location: Coimbatore, India

Start Date (Latest): 15 April 2026

Length of Commitment: One year

 

About the project:

Around the world, millions of microentrepreneurs rely on sources of informal credit at exorbitant interest rates. In Erode, India, one of our study locations, the Yale University Economic Growth Center – Center for Microfinance Tamil Nadu Panel Survey reports 13% of urban and 39% of rural households borrowing at a monthly interest rate above 5%. However, evidence also suggests microentrepreneurs may be able to access loans with lower interest rates, yet still choose to use informal sources of credit from moneylenders and suppliers because they are more easily able to match the timing of their (often uncertain) cash flows.

 

The study seeks to understand how lower-interest, formal loans that also offer less rigid repayment schedules impact the business performance and welfare of microentrepreneurs. To do so, the researchers evaluate the impact of such a loan currently being offered by Sanghamithra Rural Financial Services, our partner MFI in India. The loans studied under this project are directly targeted at market vendors and are intended to finance working capital.

 

Additionally, despite the widespread availability of microfinance, most entrepreneurs in low- and middle-income countries remain capital constrained, which significantly hinders business growth and performance. In India, many women entrepreneurs who have successfully repaid multiple microfinance loans and built strong credit histories find themselves constrained by loan size limits—typically unable to access the larger capital needed to purchase fixed assets, expand operations, or hire employees. These women who have proven their creditworthiness and business acumen lack access to the next tier of financing that could enable substantial business growth that standard microfinance products cannot provide. They may also benefit from flexible repayment structures that account for household responsibilities and seasonal business fluctuations. This leaves open a crucial research question: Can access to appropriately sized and structured credit products enable high-potential women entrepreneurs who have demonstrated business capability and financial reliability to break out of subsistence-level operations?

 

About the position:

To support this effort, we are seeking a Senior Research Associate. This is an opportunity to gain field research experience in development economics, managing large-scale randomized controlled trials. You will also acquire management and analytical skills in this role.

 

This 12-month position will be based in Coimbatore. The position is particularly suitable for individuals who anticipate pursuing a PhD in economics or other quantitative social sciences, or for young professionals who are looking for experience in managing projects in low-income country settings. Previous RAs have also progressed to MBA programs, managerial positions within JPAL SA and other organisations in India. The candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with the Principal Investigators, within the research infrastructure of J-PAL South Asia.

 

Key Responsibilities:

● Manage the daily work of a team of  field enumerators (leading training sessions, enumerators follow-up, survey reports, field and survey equipment preparation, etc.)

● Review and report on academic literature of requested topics in support of policy briefs and research projects.

● Identify and manage threats to the research design with support from Research Managers and Principal Investigators

● Ensure all field and data activities are in compliance with IRB and field safety protocols

● Cooperate with local implementation partners and scoping for new partners if required.

● Prepare and manage survey instruments with Excel and SurveyCTO

● Extract (SurveyCTO) and clean (STATA) survey data collected daily.

● Develop and maintain robust implementation systems in alignment with the guidance of the Principal Investigators (PIs) and the project management team.

● Oversee and execute daily operational processes, ensuring smooth functioning and conducting multiple operational cycles per day as required to meet project objectives.

● Analyse multiple primary and secondary data sources.

● Regularly monitor project databases to maintain and improve accuracy and consistency of data collection

● Handle communications with local stakeholders and principal investigators

● Prepare frequent progress reports and briefings to keep principal investigators informed of developments in the field.

● Contribute to financial management and administrative tasks of the project.

● Advise and guide other team members, if needed.

 

Qualifications of the candidate:

● A Bachelor's/Master’s degree in economics, social sciences, public policy, or related fields

● 2-5 years of relevant work experience.

● Experience conducting qualitative research.

● Familiarity with randomized controlled trials.

● Experience designing and conducting surveys, including designing survey questionnaires, running pilot exercises, refining survey instruments, recruiting, training and supervising field surveyors, and supervising data collection to ensure good data quality.

● Experienced in analyzing and interpreting data to generate actionable insights and support informed decision-making.

● Demonstrates strong adaptability and efficiency in managing responsibilities within fast-paced, dynamic project environments while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail

● Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Stata (required), Python/R (desired)

● Excellent communication skills, including the ability to liaise with government officials and local stakeholders effectively.

● Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while also being a collaborative team member.

● Fluency in English (required) and Tamil (desired).

 

Work authorization:

Candidates must have work authorization to work in India.

Location: The project requires the candidate to be located in or relocate to Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

 

How to Apply:

If you are interested in this position, please click on the apply button on the JD here; the first-time users will be asked to sign up and upload the CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts.