Luohan Academy (Ant Financial / Alibaba Group)

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

Luohan Academy is an open research institute based in Hangzhou, China. It was established by Alibaba Group and a group of world-renowned social scientists (including six Nobel Laureates in economics) in 2018, with the aim of promoting research and dialogue on the social and economic dimensions of the ongoing digital revolution. We collaborate with world-class social scientists and practitioners to explore, analyze and learn the ongoing (digital) transformation of the global society and economy. Among the research areas of our interests are inclusive growth, digital finance, platform economics and competition policy, and data security and privacy. With rich first-hand experiences and privileged data accumulated in a rapidly growing digital economy, Luohan Academy is a perfect place to study the socio-economic impact of digital technology.

Luohan Academy will be attending the annual AEA conference in San Diego (January 3rd - 5th, 2020). If you are planning to attend the conference, we strongly encourage you to apply. Please also note that we hire on a recurring basis throughout the year.

Job Description:
• Carry out cutting edge research on a broad range of topics in economics and finance, with a strong focus on digital economy. These include digital finance, platform governance, competition policy, inclusive growth, data security and privacy, and so forth. Initiate, participate in, or support in-house academic research programs as well as joint research projects with external experts or institutions. Economists are expected to share their research at academic conferences and publish it in peer-reviewed scholarly journals and other outlets.
• Conduct in-depth analysis and write reports on issues of great significance to the society as a whole, and to policymakers in particular. Contribute to a better understanding of the working and regulatory environment of new technology firms in the digital age.
• Develop and maintain a close relationship with internal and external researchers, policy makers and industry experts so as to foster debates on digital economy in an active and expanding community, and to contribute to the Academy’s global outreach.
• We strive to provide an excellent research environment with close interactions with academics, industry experts and practitioners, with extensive computing facilities and access to privileged data.

Qualification
• Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Economics or Finance, or a related discipline, from a university of good standing internationally. For senior positions, we welcome candidates with at least 3 to 5 years of working experience in academia, research institutions and think tanks, and major international organizations. Solid training in theory and empirical skills are expected from a candidate, as well as a proven track record in research and policy analysis in related fields.
• Candidates are expected to possess solid analytical, quantitative, and programming skills, they must demonstrate the potential to contribute substantially to research and policy analysis of interest to Luohan Academy and to the community of digital economic research more generally.
• Strong empirical skills and familiarity with empirical data analysis or other fields related with digital economics and finance are an advantage.
• Have strong written and oral English skills, and preferably proficient in or having good knowledge of Chinese. Experiences with policy analysis and thematic reports writing are a clear advantage.
• Show strong interests in, and aptitude for, working in an open research institution; have a passion for independent and creative thinking; have ability to collaborate and make substantial contributions to team work; be open to diverse views and cross-discipline perspectives.