JOE Listings (Job Openings for Economists)
August 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026
GiveWell
Position Title/Short Description
Full Text of JOE Listing:
GiveWell is seeking Senior Research Associates to help direct hundreds of millions of dollars annually to the most cost-effective global health and poverty alleviation programs. You’ll have a major influence on our funding decisions and help us save and improve lives on a global scale.
You’ll execute ambitious research agendas, answer complex questions, and inform high-impact grantmaking decisions by combining rigorous evidence review, cost-effectiveness modeling, and thoughtful judgment. See much more information and submit your application at the link in "Application Instructions" below.
This is a private hiring round for economics PhD students on the 2025-2026 job market.
This role is fully remote-eligible in many countries, and we'll sponsor visas for hires interested in relocating to or remaining in the United States. We'll cover relocation expenses for hires interested in relocating to one of our physical office locations (listed above).
GiveWell is one of the world’s largest private funders of global development efforts. Since 2007, we've directed over $2.6 billion to cost-effective programs and interventions (more than $500 million in the last two years). We estimate that the funding we’ve directed will save more than 340,000 lives.
Application Requirements:
External Application LinkFreqently Asked Questions
Expertise in cost-effectiveness modeling, data synthesis from diverse sources, and rigorous evidence review are critical. Senior Research Associates often need to apply these skills to evaluate global health projects, ensuring research outcomes directly influence high-impact funding decisions.
Progression typically involves demonstrating mastery in complex research methodologies, contributing to influential publications, and showcasing leadership in managing ambitious research agendas. Building expertise in economic evaluation and grantmaking processes can accelerate career growth in this field.
Senior Research Associates lead comprehensive data analysis, integrate interdisciplinary findings, and guide strategic funding recommendations. Their day often includes synthesizing evidence to inform impactful decisions and collaborating with stakeholders to shape global development initiatives.
While formal certifications are not always mandatory, advanced training in econometrics, health economics, or program evaluation enhances credibility. Familiarity with quantitative modeling tools and policy analysis frameworks is particularly appreciated within organizations focused on economic research.
Senior Research Associates at the association play a pivotal role by conducting thorough evidence reviews and cost-effectiveness analyses that steer funding allocations. Their assessments directly influence resource distribution toward interventions with measurable global impact.
The association emphasizes large-scale grantmaking guided by rigorous evidence, granting associates a unique opportunity to affect millions in funding. Its blend of economic expertise and global health focus offers a distinctive environment compared to typical academic or policy research settings.
Senior Research Associates in Orinda, CA, generally earn between $85,000 and $130,000 annually, reflecting the region’s cost of living and demand for specialized economic research skills. Compensation often includes benefits aligned with nonprofit and academic research institutions.
Orinda’s proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area means a competitive landscape with many candidates vying for senior research roles. Candidates with strong quantitative skills, experience in global health economics, and remote work flexibility tend to stand out.
Given the remote-eligible nature of many roles, professionals often balance remote work with occasional office visits. Orinda’s location offers access to major transit routes, but many research associates prefer telecommuting to accommodate global collaboration and flexible schedules.
Applicants must navigate rigorous assessments of their ability to synthesize complex data, model cost-effectiveness accurately, and provide actionable insights. Candidates unfamiliar with nonprofit funding landscapes or large-scale grantmaking processes may find these expectations particularly demanding.
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