Research Analyst I

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique experiences, perspectives, and talents that each member of our community brings. As a Research Data Technician / Pre-Doctoral Research Fellow, you'll join a collaborative research team working at the intersection of health economics, mental health policy, and applied microeconomics.

You will support research in health economics and applied microeconomics, with a focus on mental health and substance use. Work under the research direction of Assistant Professors Jonathan Zhang at Duke University and Sydney Costantini at the University of British Columbia. Use Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) electronic health record data to conduct econometric analyses, interpret and present findings, and contribute to research design. The role advances evidence on the effects of mental health interventions and supports the school’s policy research mission.

Be Bold

What You'll Do

Conduct Econometric Research and Analysis

• Analyze large Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative and electronic health record datasets using R, Stata, Python, or similar statistical software.
• Apply causal inference and econometric methods to evaluate mental health and substance use interventions.
• Refine analytical approaches and validate findings in collaboration with faculty investigators.
• Support studies examining psychotherapy, medication treatments, residential programs, suicide prevention initiatives, and other VA mental health services.

Prepare and Manage Research Data

• Clean, organize, and prepare complex healthcare datasets for research analysis.
• Create analytical datasets and construct research variables.
• Perform quality assurance checks and maintain clear documentation of data management and coding decisions.
• Ensure compliance with data security standards and VA data access requirements.

Contribute to Research Development

• Assist with research design, empirical strategy development, and study implementation.
• Evaluate data availability and analytical feasibility for current and future projects.
• Participate in the development of innovative research questions in health economics and public policy.

Translate Research into Actionable Insights

• Interpret findings and discuss policy implications with research collaborators.
• Prepare tables, visualizations, written summaries, and research materials.
• Present research progress and findings to faculty and project teams.
• Incorporate feedback into ongoing analyses and publications.

Collaborate and Grow Professionally

• Work directly with faculty mentors who are actively engaged in leading research programs.
• Participate in research seminars and academic discussions.
• Develop skills that support future doctoral study and research careers.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Economics or a related quantitative field.

Experience

• Two years of research, data analysis, or related experience.

Equivalent combinations of relevant education and experience will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong quantitative reasoning and analytical problem solving; ability to write clear, reproducible code, interpret econometric results, and communicate findings orally and in writing. Attention to detail, organization, and sound judgment when handling sensitive health information. Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and collaborate closely with faculty across institutions.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive data with discretion and sound judgment.
• Capacity to work independently while collaborating effectively within a research team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Training in applied econometrics.
• Experience working with large administrative or healthcare datasets.
• Proficiency in R, Stata, Python, or related statistical programming languages.
• Familiarity with SQL.
• Interest in pursuing a PhD in Economics or a related field.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Mentorship and Professional Development

You'll receive direct mentorship from faculty researchers and gain hands-on experience conducting high-impact policy research. The position provides excellent preparation for competitive PhD programs and offers opportunities to attend seminars and engage with Duke's vibrant academic community.

Work Location and Appointment

• Full-time position based at Duke University.
• Remote work available within the United States.
• Anticipated start date: Summer 2027.
• Initial one-year appointment with potential extension based on performance and funding availability.

Compensation and Benefits

Duke offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being.

Conditions of Employment

• Must possess authorization to work in the United States.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Successful completion of a VA background check is required.
• Bachelor's degree must be completed.

Choose Duke.

At Duke, you'll find more than a job. You'll join a community committed to excellence, innovation, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

Whether you're preparing for doctoral study or launching a research-focused career, Duke offers the opportunity to work alongside world-class faculty, contribute to policy-relevant research, and help address some of today's most important mental health challenges.

You'll be empowered to bring your unique perspective, pursue ambitious goals, and make discoveries that matter.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help generate the evidence that shapes mental health policy, informs public decision-making, and improves lives.

Application Instructions

Submit a single PDF file to jonathan.zhang@duke.edu with the subject line:

"PreDoc Application: Lastname_Firstname"

Include:

Include a cover letter with preferred start and end dates, prior research experience, and programming familiarity; names and email addresses of two references; a current CV; unofficial transcripts; and an original research paper, if available. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning November 15, 2026.Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning November 15, 2026.