Pre-Doctoral Fellow, Boston University Global Development Policy Center, Office of Research

Finance and Investment for Ecology, Livelihoods and Development Fellowship

The Boston University Global Development Policy Center (GDP Center) is seeking a pre-doctoral fellow to contribute to its research on the international macroeconomic drivers of biodiversity loss and the multilateral policies that can help reverse these trends. Successful applicants may have strong backgrounds in the quantitative or qualitative social sciences. Expertise in the relation between biodiversity and global economic governance will be a strong advantage for applications, but is not strictly necessary for candidates with a research focus on environmental governance and international political economy more generally. Thematic areas of focus may include sovereign debt, commodity trade and investment, development finance, forests and biodiversity.

This fellowship is expected to begin in the spring or summer of 2027 and last for 12-18 months. This fellowship program is in–person at Boston University.

About the GDP Center:

Founded in 2017, the GDP Center’s mission is to advance policy-oriented research for financial stability, human well-being and environmental sustainability.

To fulfill our mission, we conduct rigorous policy research; provide a convening place for scholars and stakeholders; engage in policy dialogue with policymakers, civil society and the media; and offer experiential learning for Boston University students. The GDP Center strives to not only be a think tank, but also a do tank.

Responsibilities:

This fellow will be responsible for helping to convene a high-level workshop of scholars and practitioners, and helping to develop a policy-oriented research agenda on the subject of global biodiversity, livelihoods and the international financial architecture. The fellow will be paired with a GDP Center senior academic researcher in its Finance and Investment for Ecology, Livelihoods and Development (FIELD) workstream to pursue this research.

The fellow will produce one GDP Center working paper per appointment period, which is eligible to be published on the GDP Center website pending alignment with GDP Center topic and quality standards.

The time commitment for this project is 20 hours each week. The fellow may spend 20 hours per week on their own independently-led projects that are related to the GDP Center’s research topics, while receiving guidance and support from their supervising mentor.

Qualifications:

The GDP Center will accept applications from all disciplines, especially the natural and social sciences, engineering, and business. Applicants at the pre-doctoral level must be enrolled in doctoral programs and have completed their core coursework.

Compensation:

Pre Doc Expected Minimum Stipend $47,740 annually

Pre Doc Expected Maximum Stipend $47,740 annually

How to Apply:

·       Complete an application form here.

·       Submit the following with your application. Documents must be uploaded as separate files in PDF format.

o   A cover letter that demonstrates interest and experience in FIELD–related research.

o   A current curriculum vitae.

o   A 1–2 page individual working paper proposal that outlines the research question(s), methodology, research plan and its significance. This proposal may consist of new research or may cover part of a dissertation.

o   A writing sample that reflects the candidate’s research interests (no more than 30 pages)

o   Contact information for two references

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until September 30, 2026, 11:59 PM EST. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Due to the volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For international candidates: Any fellowship offer is contingent on the scholar's ability to secure the appropriate U.S. visa. International candidates already in the US on a J-1 visa must obtain express approval from their sponsoring institution confirming they are permitted to earn income from another institution. If you do not currently hold a valid U.S. scholar visa, you may be eligible for J-1 sponsorship through Boston University. It is essential to discuss visa eligibility and requirements in detail before accepting a fellowship at the Boston University GDP Center.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.