The Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) is seeking several highly motivated Research Associates to join its dynamic research team.
We are looking for candidates with strong interests in development economics, microeconomics, and/or macroeconomics.
As part of ADBIโs research team, you will contribute to cutting-edge policy research that addresses key development challenges in Asia and the Pacific. This is an excellent opportunity to work in an international environment and make a meaningful impact.
Responsibilities
- Conduct data searches, collection, and processing to support research activities.
- Assist in applied economic research using quantitative methods and analysis.
- Contribute to drafting, reviewing, and editing research papers, including performing literature reviews.
- Support the organization of conferences, workshops, and other research-related events, both domestic (primarily at ADBIโs Tokyo office) and international (virtual or in-person).
- Collaborate with support staff and assist with other projects and activities as assigned by the supervisor.
Requirements
- A minimum of masterโs degree in economics or a closely related field (PhD preferred).
- Demonstrated experience in applied econometric and quantitative analysis.
- Strong understanding of economic and development issues relevant to Asia and the Pacific.
- Practical knowledge of widely used economic and financial databases.
- Advanced quantitative skills in econometrics and statistics, including proficiency in time series and panel data analysis. Familiarity with statistical software such as STATA, EViews, MATLAB, or R; coding experience is a strong advantage.
- Preferably with two years of research experience (postgraduate research acceptable), including drafting publishable papers, conducting literature reviews, compiling and analyzing data.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
Appointment Terms
Research Associates are engaged as independent contractors in a personal capacity for a limited term. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of a one-year extension based on performance. The maximum duration of service is two years. Please note that social insurance benefits are not provided.
Research Associates are not considered officers or staff of ADBI. They work under the direct supervision of ADBI professional staff and the overall guidance of the Vice Chairs of Research.
Application Procedure
Eligible to nationals of one of the Asian Development Bank member economy, currently residing in Japan and with valid working permission.
Applicants are invited to apply online. Please attach a CV, a recent research paper (if co-authored, please indicate the individual contribution to the paper), and a Personal History Form.Applications should be submitted no later than Tuesday, 20 January 2026 at 5:00pm Tokyo time.
Upon submission, please wait for your application to load. Once completed, you will be redirected to a thank you page. Do not submit your application multiple times.
No email submissions will be accepted.
Women are encouraged to apply.
Only short-listed candidates will be notified.