JOE Listings (Job Openings for Economists)

February 1, 2025 - July 31, 2025

Columbia Business School

Decision, Risk, and Operations
Staff Associate

JOE ID Number: 2025-01_111475604
Date Posted: 02/01/2025
Position Title/Short Description
Title: Staff Associate
Section: US: Full-Time Academic (Permanent, Tenure Track or Tenured)
Location: New York, New York, UNITED STATES
JEL Classifications:
C6 -- Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling
00 -- 00 - Default: Any Field
Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence
AI
postdoctoral scientists
sequential decision-making
LLMs
agentic systems
multi-agent problems
persona generation
reinforcement learning
digital future
Salary Range: $62,000-$64,000
Full Text of JOE Listing:

Columbia Business School is seeking to hire a Staff Associate of research for the Decision, Risk, and Operations (DRO) Division. The work will include quantitative and qualitative research and analysis involving the collection, coordination, and management of information and data, development and implementation of computer models and simulations, development of research materials (figures, presentations, papers, etc.) and work on special projects relating to pertinent fields of research within the division.

This position provides an opportunity to gain experience in academic business research, with a special focus on fields such as operations research, operations management, statistics, and economics; and it would be ideal preparation for a PhD program or other graduate study.

The Staff Associate duties involve work in one or more of the following areas of research: Economics and Statistics. Specific duties include:

• Collect, clean, and maintain datasets and databases. Extract and link data from multiple databases for analysis. Prepare detailed documentation.

• Develop models and implement program code (STATA, Python, SQL, R, SAS, Matlab, etc.).

• Perform statistical analysis, including regression analysis and machine learning techniques.

• Assist with data analysis and dissemination of findings through the preparation of reports, journal articles, presentations, websites, and other research outlets.

• Perform case-based research, including work with detailed primary documents.

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in Economics or Finance or in a quantitative discipline such as Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, etc.

• At least 6 months of experience in a research role or as a research assistant.

• Programming experience in STATA is required. Strong preference for those who also know Python or R.

• Additional programming experience in one or more of the following languages: SQL, SAS, Matlab, and/or C is preferred.

• Familiarity with statistical tooks such as linear regression is required.

• Demonstrated exceptional written and oral communications skills needed - a writing sample is required.

• Expertise in processing large volumes of data and algorithm design expertise.

• Experience in market design applications preferred.

• Familiarity with text parsing and analysis (natural language processing) and/or machine learning techniques is preferred.

• Candidate must be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Applicants should submit:

CV
Cover letter
Transcripts
Writing sample
Three letters of reference

For further information about the position, please visit: https://business.columbia.edu/dfi/about-dfi/job-openings

For additional questions, please contact dfi@gsb.columbia.edu

Application Requirements:
  • External Application Link
Application deadline: 07/31/2025