Project Description

I am seeking to hire up to 2 undergraduate research assistants (RAs) for the 2024-2025 academic year as part of a pilot program. The RA will work closely with me as a partner in research to help advance three ongoing projects as part of my research agenda on equity in taxation, especially gender and racial equity (project descriptions here: https://wavetulane-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/eisaac_tulane_edu/Ebi9qq2Fb1FFjYn2mZduE1EBv38BAaQbWT5O7pwMNMKBNA?e=qCK5de).

I am also interested in the possibility of collaborating as a co-author if the RA has a strong research idea related to equity in taxation that they are interested in exploring together. This position is meant to be educational by providing learning opportunities and mentorship through research.

I particularly encourage candidates from groups that are underrepresented in economics to apply (e.g., female, non-binary, Black, Hispanic, and/or LGBTQ+ individuals). I still encourage candidates to apply even if they are studying abroad in either Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 because there may be a one-semester RA opportunity.

Application Process Candidates should apply at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/zrmsixH1aG.

Finalist candidates may be asked to schedule a 15- to 30-minute Zoom or in-person interview. A preview of the application is available here to view the questions ahead-of-time: https://wavetulane-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/eisaac_tulane_edu/EQ3TVAVSlhhKkU5LYdQhjjIBAI-DSiqu3Y_f0GHZx3rp5w?e=eKsGJw.

Position Priorities The ideal candidate would be either a sophomore or junior to allow for the possibility of a multi-year position and for the RA to complete an honors thesis (if they are interested), but I will consider all candidates who apply.

I have 3 priorities for this position listed below in order of importance: Priority 1: Coding and Time Management The RA will help me manage time spent on each project and will code on my behalf to push each project forward in a timely manner. Advanced coding in Stata and excellent time management are critical to achieve this priority.

The ideal candidate: 1. Will already have strong Stata coding skills and will be able to overcome coding issues on their own (e.g., using Stata help files, precise web searches, and self-exploration) 2. Will already have excellent time management skills and will be highly organized 3. Is familiar with how to use GitHub A strong candidate would have characteristics 1 and 2 above and would be willing and able to learn how to use GitHub.

Priority 2: Education and Mentorship This position is meant to be educational by providing learning opportunities and mentorship through research. A strong interest in empirical economic research and self-motivation to learn are critical to achieve this priority. The ideal candidate: 1. Is highly interested in and motivated to learn more about economic data analysis, specifically in the context of equity in taxation 2. Is interested in faculty mentorship.

This position is part of a pilot program. Therefore, I may ask the RA to complete a survey or reflection on their experience to evaluate program structure and effectiveness. Priority 3: Development of New Projects I intend this position to be reciprocal by helping the RA develop their own research ideas related to equity in taxation, broadly defined.

These projects may develop into an honors thesis or a co-authorship with me, depending on the RA’s goals. However, while an interest in developing their own research ideas is a plus, it is not necessary to be a strong candidate for this RA position. A high level of independence is critical to achieve this priority. For example, the candidate: 1. Is interested in developing their own economic research agenda 2. Can work independently to find relevant academic papers, identify data sources, and frame a motivation for their research

Project Details

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