Cornell CIDER Pre-Doctoral Fellowship | Call for Applications

Applications are open for Cornell’s CIDER Pre-Doctoral Research Fellowship. This full-time position prepares recent graduates for doctoral study in economics. Fellows work directly with Cornell faculty on development economics research. The role runs one year, renewable for up to two more.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, CIDER
• Salary: $65,447 to $75,632 annually
• Location: Ithaca, New York, onsite
• Duration: One year, renewable up to two additional years
• Priority Deadline: October 15, 2026, for full consideration
• Visa Note: Only F-1 OPT/STEM OPT holders eligible; no sponsorship offered

Focus Areas

• Development economics and poverty research
• Quantitative data analysis and survey design
• Agricultural and rural development studies
• Faculty-led research across 25 CIDER scholars

About the Fellowship

CIDER connects 25 faculty across four Cornell colleges and schools. It builds on Cornell’s deep history in development economics research. Fellows join both faculty projects and university intellectual life. Field research abroad may be possible depending on project needs.

What Fellows Receive

Fellows earn a full staff salary, not merely a stipend. Comprehensive health care, retirement contributions, and wellness perks come standard. Cornell also offers tuition-free study and broader educational benefits. Three weeks of vacation plus generous holidays round out the role.

Who Can Apply

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in economics or a related quantitative field. Two to four years of relevant experience is generally expected. Familiarity with Stata or R and prior econometrics coursework matters. Only F-1 OPT or STEM OPT visa holders qualify internationally.

Required Materials

Applicants submit a resume and a detailed cover letter online. The letter should cover research interests, quantitative skills, and doctoral goals. Applications after October 15 remain considered until positions fill.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter through Cornell’s online portal.

Click Here to Apply

Conclusion

This fellowship offers a genuinely paid path toward doctoral study in economics. Its connection to 25 active faculty gives fellows real research depth. Applicants should note the visa restriction carefully before applying internationally.

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