Project Overview

Dr. Sher Afghan Asad (LUMS) and Maham Rasheed (Northeastern University) are looking to hire a Research Associate for the project on Gender Discrimination in Digital Marketplaces. This project is funded by Private Enterprise Development in Low-Income Countries (PEDL), a research initiative under the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR).

The project seeks to investigate the customer-driven discrimination faced by female entrepreneurs compared to their male counterparts in digital markets. It aims to uncover the sources of this discrimination and explore how its prevalence varies with market thickness. By understanding these dynamics, the research sheds light on gender inequalities in the digital economy and aims to provide valuable insights for designing targeted policy interventions to promote a more inclusive and equitable environment for all entrepreneurs.

The Research Associate will work closely with the PIs to lead the project's overall implementation. This is a full-time, hybrid position, with occasional field visits required in Lahore. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of development, gender, and digital economics.

Position Description

The Research Associate will be responsible for the following main tasks:

· Design and implement data collection protocols or surveys in collaboration with the research team, ensuring they align with project objectives.

· Conduct pilot testing to identify areas for improvement and ensure readiness for full-scale implementation of project activities.

· Coordinate with stakeholders or partners to source necessary resources or materials, ensuring alignment with project requirements.

· Oversee data collection processes, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and consistency through regular quality checks and troubleshooting.

· Perform data analysis, including generating descriptive statistics and applying econometric modeling, to identify trends and address research objectives under the supervision of the research team.

· Collaborate with the research team to provide strategic direction and ensure effective execution of project goals.

· Develop and maintain data-sharing protocols and ethical guidelines.

· Work closely with the research team to provide regular project updates, address challenges, and adapt strategies as necessary.

· Manage administrative tasks such as reporting, budgeting, and tracking financials and project activities.

· Contribute to the preparation of project deliverables, including reports, policy briefs, and academic outputs.

· Provide periodic updates on project progress, preliminary findings, and emerging challenges.

· Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support the successful completion of the project.