Research Associate - Tamil Nadu Aging (TN Aging) Portfolio

Position: Research Associate

Project: Tamil Nadu Aging (TN Aging) Portfolio

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Language: Tamil & English

 

About J-PAL South Asia:

J-PAL South Asia at the Institute for Financial Management and Research seeks a qualified applicant for the position of Research Associate to support rigorous policy-relevant research on aging and elder well-being in Tamil Nadu. The position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of academic research and government policy, contributing to one of J-PAL South Asia’s longest-standing state government partnerships. The Research Associate will join a team of researchers from leading universities and will gain hands-on experience implementing longitudinal surveys, randomized evaluations, and implementation pilots. The position will be based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, with regular travel to field sites across the state.

Research Associates work in close collaboration with the Principal Investigators, who guide and supervise them across all aspects of research implementation and management.

 

About the Portfolio:

The Tamil Nadu Aging (TNAging) Portfolio is a long-standing collaborative initiative between J-PAL South Asia and the Government of Tamil Nadu aimed at improving the well-being of the elderly through evidence-informed policymaking. Tamil Nadu has one of the most rapidly aging populations in India, with a significant share of elderly individuals facing challenges related to health, social isolation, and access to welfare services. This portfolio harnesses rigorous research to generate actionable evidence for state policy.

 

The Research Associate will work across one or more active studies under this portfolio, which include:

• Longitudinal panel surveys tracking health, economic, and social outcomes of elderly individuals in Tamil Nadu

• Randomized evaluations of community-based mental health interventions targeting elderly women

• Studies leveraging machine learning tools for health screening and early identification of at-risk elderly populations

• Implementation pilots testing the scale-up of evidence-based interventions in collaboration with government partners

 

About the position:

To support this effort, we are seeking a Research Associate. This 12-month position, based in Chennai, offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on field research experience in development economics. It is particularly well-suited for individuals planning to pursue a PhD in economics or other quantitative social sciences, as well as for early-career professionals interested in managing projects in low-income country settings. Previous Research Associates have gone on to pursue Master’s and PhD programs, as well as take on managerial roles within J-PAL South Asia and other organizations in India.

 

Key Responsibilities:

The Research Associate will work closely with academic researchers and field staff to perform a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Design, refine, and program survey instruments; coordinate translation and back-translation in Tamil

• Manage pilot exercises and full-scale data collection operations, including longitudinal follow-up surveys

• Oversee the implementation of randomized evaluations in accordance with research designs, in close coordination with government and NGO partner organizations

• Recruit, train, and supervise field teams and enumerators across multiple districts in Tamil Nadu

• Monitor data quality in real time during fieldwork; design and implement quality control protocols

• Maintain and manage relationships with government partners at the state and district level

• Support randomization, sampling, and tracking of study participants, including vulnerable elderly populations

• Assist with data cleaning, variable construction, and preliminary statistical analysis (Stata/R/Python)

• Contribute to the preparation of reports, policy briefs, presentations, and materials for donor reporting and research dissemination

• Coordinate IRB/ethics submissions and ensure research protocols are followed throughout study implementation

• Report to Principal Investigators on all of the above activities

 

Desired Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in economics, public health, social sciences, public policy, or a related field

• At least 2 years of work experience

• Prior experience in development research, field management, or survey operations strongly preferred

• Experience working in Tamil Nadu or with Tamil-speaking populations is a significant advantage

• Proficiency in Tamil (spoken and written) strongly preferred; fluency in English required

• Strong quantitative skills; knowledge of Stata is strongly preferred; familiarity with R or Python an asset

• Experience with CAPI survey platforms (SurveyCTO or similar) preferred

• Familiarity with randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental methods preferred

• Excellent organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with government officials and partner organizations

• Flexible, self-motivated, and able to adapt to dynamic and unstructured field environments

• Willingness to travel extensively within Tamil Nadu

 

Note on Work Authorization:

Candidates must have valid work authorization to work in India.