The National Laboratory of Public Policy (LNPP) is hiring research assistants for its simulation unit (USim). The simulation unit is dedicated to the development and active use of simulation models for the analysis, evaluation and improvement of public policies. The goal is to develop models that are as close as possible to the context of the study and allow us to analyse effects of public policies ex-ante. The unit specialises in agent-based modelling but is open to other techniques depending on the research question. The simulation unit closely collaborates with the data science unit and the behavioural and experimental unit.
Responsibilities
The research assistants will be part of the simulation unit of the LNPP. The USim was founded in May 2017 to reinforce the simulation activities within the LNPP. The research assistants will carry out research activities linked to models of the USim and participate in general projects of the Laboratory. Activities include literature review, design and programming of models, data analysis, writing of reports and research outputs and administrative duties.
The positions are particularly well suited for graduates looking for labour market experience in applied research prior to continuing their post-graduate studies (Masters or PhD).
Contract and salary
The LNPP offers annual contracts under the Mexican tax scheme of honorarios (contractor) with a probationary period of 2 months. Salaries are competitive.
The LNPP is characterised by a very nice work environment with a lot of flexibility. The team is young and innovative both in research methods and labour conditions. The assistants will work at the LNPP, located on the Campus of the Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas (CIDE) in Mexico City, Santa Fe neighbourhood.
Requirements:
* Senior: Master degree or undergraduate degree plus 2 years of experience in a similar position in any area of social science. Candidates from other sciences will also be considered if they show a genuine interest in problems of social science.
* Junior: Undergraduate degree in any area of social science. Candidates from other sciences will also be considered if they show a genuine interest in problems of social science.
* Knowledge in at least two of the following areas:
1. Object-oriented programming, preferably in Java
2. Econometric analysis with micro-data
3. Handling of large and complex databases
4. Agent-based modelling
* Spanish and English (oral and written), other languages are an advantage.
* Interest in social issues and the analysis of public policies.
* Good handling of the computer in general
Advantages
* Experience with LaTeX
* Experience in applied research of public policy
* Experience with version control systems such as Git