Tobin Center/Economics Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program at Yale University 2027–2028

Applications are open for the 2027–2028 Tobin Center/Economics Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program at Yale University. The programme provides research training and professional development for graduates interested in pursuing a PhD in economics or a closely related discipline.

The fellowship is designed for individuals with bachelor's or master's degrees who want to gain practical research experience before beginning doctoral studies. Fellows work as full time research trainees under the supervision of Yale faculty members and contribute to projects addressing important economic and public policy questions.

The programme brings together a diverse community of approximately 70 scholars from around the world. Participants gain exposure to academic research, develop technical skills and engage with faculty and researchers across Yale. Opportunities include attending department seminars, participating in professional development activities and taking or auditing one course per semester.

About the Tobin Center Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program

The Tobin Center for Economic Policy at Yale University supports research that informs public policy and addresses important economic and social challenges. Through its Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program, the centre provides aspiring economists with an opportunity to work closely with academic researchers before pursuing doctoral education.

The programme is conducted in collaboration with the Yale Department of Economics and other research centres at the university. Fellows work with one or more faculty mentors, contributing to research projects that use economic theory, empirical methods and data analysis to investigate policy relevant questions.

The programme covers a broad range of research interests, including applied microeconomics, behavioural economics, development economics, economic history, education, environmental economics, experimental economics, health economics, industrial organisation, labour economics, public economics and urban economics.

Programme Benefits

Selected fellows receive research experience, academic guidance and access to professional development opportunities at Yale University.

Key benefits include:

• Competitive salary: Fellows receive compensation at a level comparable to similar pre-doctoral research programmes at other institutions. The exact salary depends on the position.
• Health insurance: The programme includes standard employment benefits such as health insurance.
• Faculty mentorship: Work closely with one or more Yale faculty members on active research projects.
• Academic development: Take for credit or audit one university course per semester, subject to programme arrangements.
• Professional development: Participate in a weekly seminar designed to strengthen research and career preparation.
• Research exposure: Attend department research seminars and engage with academic discussions.
• Peer learning: Join a community of approximately 70 fellows and other scholars from different backgrounds.
• International access: Yale sponsors visas for accepted international candidates unless a particular project description specifies otherwise.

The programme is a paid research employment opportunity. However, Yale describes compensation as competitive rather than publishing one universal salary figure for all positions.

Research Areas

The programme supports faculty research across a wide range of economics and public policy disciplines. Applicants can review the available research positions and identify projects that align with their interests and academic preparation.

Research areas include:

Applied Microeconomics: Research into individual, household and firm behaviour, as well as the effects of economic policies.

Development Economics: Studies examining poverty, economic growth, institutions and development challenges.

Behavioural Economics: Research into how individuals make decisions and how behaviour influences economic outcomes.

Economics of Education: Analysis of education systems, access, learning outcomes and the economic effects of educational policies.

Environmental Economics: Research on environmental challenges, climate policy and the economic implications of natural resource use.

Health Economics: Studies involving healthcare systems, health policy, access to medical services and the economic factors affecting health.

Labour Economics: Research into employment, wages, labour markets and workforce development.

Public Economics: Analysis of government policies, taxation, public expenditure and their effects on individuals and businesses.

Other areas include economic history, experimental economics, industrial organisation and urban economics.

Eligibility Requirements

The Tobin Center/Economics Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program is open to individuals with bachelor's or master's degrees who are considering pursuing a PhD in economics or a closely related discipline.

Applicants from all countries are welcome to apply.

Candidates should demonstrate:

• A completed bachelor's or master's degree, depending on the requirements of the individual research position.
• A strong interest in economics research and doctoral study.
• Relevant academic preparation for their preferred research area.
• Research experience or the potential to develop into an effective research assistant.
• Familiarity with relevant programming languages and quantitative research methods, where required by the project.
• Strong analytical, communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to work independently and collaborate with faculty researchers.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must complete the common application and submit a single PDF document containing the required materials in the specified order.

The application package includes:

1. Cover letter: Explain your interest in the programme and the specific faculty projects you wish to join. Include your availability dates, relevant research experience, programming skills and details of two to three professional or academic references. You may also discuss academic, professional or personal experiences that strengthen your application.
2. Resume or CV: Provide an overview of your education, research experience, technical skills, publications and other relevant activities.
3. Undergraduate transcript: An unofficial transcript is acceptable.
4. Graduate transcript: Include this if applicable. An unofficial transcript is acceptable.
5. Writing sample: Submit a sample demonstrating your academic writing and research abilities. The programme does not specify a maximum length.
6. Coding sample: Provide at least one coding sample. You may submit additional samples when applying to projects that require different programming languages. A link to a GitHub repository or equivalent platform is also acceptable.

The PDF should be named using the required format:

LastName_FirstName_Tobin_Predoc_Application

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through Yale University's official Tobin Center application portal.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official programme page: Review the 2027–2028 Pre-Doctoral Fellows Program information and available research positions.
2. Explore faculty projects: Identify research projects that match your academic background, interests and technical experience.
3. Rank prospective supervisors: Review the available faculty supervisors and decide which projects you would like to be considered for.
4. Prepare your documents: Assemble your cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, writing sample and coding sample into one PDF document in the required order.
5. Complete the common application: Provide your personal and educational background information and rank your preferred faculty supervisors.
6. Check additional requirements: Review individual project descriptions to determine whether any supervisors require extra application materials.
7. Submit your application: Complete the online process as early as possible. Applications are considered on a rolling basis until positions are filled.