Pre-Doctoral Research Specialist, Rodney L. White Center for Financial Research at the Wharton School

Pre-Doctoral Research Specialist Rodney L. White Center for Financial Research The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. As the largest private employer in Philadelphia and an Ivy League institution, Penn consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the U.S. News & World Report. With 12 distinguished schools, Penn fosters an interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. In 2023, Forbes recognized Penn as one of America’s Best Large Employers.

Situated on a vibrant urban campus, Penn provides access to diverse educational, cultural, and recreational activities. The University offers competitive benefits, including healthcare and tuition assistance, generous retirement plans, professional development opportunities, and comprehensive wellness programs.

Job Title: Pre-Doctoral Research Specialist

Rodney L. White Center for Financial Research Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

Job Profile Title: Research Specialist A

Job Description

Founded in 1881 as the world’s first collegiate business school, the Wharton School is at the forefront of business education, driving innovation and shaping future leaders. Wharton has over 850 staff, a faculty of more than 235 distinguished professors, and a student body of 5,000 across its undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral programs. Its global alumni network consists of over 104,000 professionals who influence the business world daily.

Wharton hosts 20+ research centers and initiatives, fostering collaboration among faculty, students, and the business community to address global business challenges. The Rodney L. White Center for Financial Research seeks a pre-doctoral research associate for up to two years to support research on household finance, working closely with Professor Lu Liu.

Responsibilities

• Conduct empirical analysis on household finance topics, including housing, mortgage markets, mobility, and labor market decisions.
• Clean, visualize, and analyze data using statistical programs such as Stata, Matlab, Python, or R.
• Perform background research, write research summaries, and assist with research reports.
• Apply structural methods to analyze micro-data.
• Engage in the Wharton research community by attending seminars and exploring personal research interests.
• Take graduate-level courses at Wharton as part of professional development.
• Assist in select Rodney White Center programs and activities.

Qualifications

Required:

• BA/BS in Economics, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Proficiency in at least one statistical software (Stata, R, Python, or Matlab).
• Strong quantitative and data analysis skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently on research problems.

Preferred:

• Coursework in statistics, data analysis, or econometrics.
• Research experience as a research assistant or independent project using statistical software.
• Interest in pursuing a PhD in Economics or Finance.

Job Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Start Date: July 1, 2025 Duration: 1-year limited-term position (non-extendable), ideal for recent graduates seeking predoctoral research experience.

Visa Sponsorship: Not available for this role.

Compensation

Annual salary range: $43,888 - $56,000 Salary offers are based on qualifications, experience, skills, and market factors.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.

Additional Requirements

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer.

University Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Tuition Assistance: For employees, spouses, and dependents at Penn and other institutions.
• Retirement Plans: Generous savings plans with a range of investment options.
• Time Off: Ample vacation, sick leave, and personal time.
• Long-Term Care & Adoption Assistance: Financial support for qualified needs.
• Professional Development: Access to courses, training programs, and career resources.
• Campus Perks: Library access, fitness centers, cultural events, discounts on services, and flexible work options.
• Home Ownership & Relocation Support: Assistance for employees residing in West Philadelphia.

Reference ID: jeid-540dcaf791c10745b92714ee79bd0f38