The University of Oxford has opened applications for a Predoctoral Research Fellow position at the Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE), offering early-career researchers the chance to work on a groundbreaking international research project evaluating anticipatory cash transfers in Bangladesh. Aspiring economists and researchers looking to build a career in global development have an opportunity to join one of the world’s leading universities. The fixed-term fellowship will see the successful candidate work alongside renowned development economists Professor Stefan Dercon and Dr Rocco Zizzamia on a large-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT) implemented in partnership with GiveDirectly and the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD). Applications close on July 19, 2026. Prestigious Oxford Fellowship Offers Unique Research Experience Hosted by the Department of Economics at the University of Oxford, the fellowship is designed for aspiring researchers seeking advanced experience before pursuing doctoral studies. The position begins on September 1, 2026, with some flexibility on the start date. The initial appointment is for 12 months, with the possibility of extending for up to another 12 months, depending on funding availability and performance. The successful fellow will join the internationally recognised Centre for the Study of African Economies, one of the world’s leading research centres focused on development economics. ALSO SEE: National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy Launch Global Community Conservation Externship for Young Changemakers – Apply by 30 August 2026 Research Will Examine Anticipatory Cash Transfers Before Flooding in Bangladesh The fellowship centres on an innovative research project evaluating whether providing cash transfers before predictable climate disasters can improve household resilience and reduce humanitarian costs. The study focuses on communities in northern Bangladesh, where annual monsoon flooding threatens livelihoods and food security. The research project is being implemented by GiveDirectly in collaboration with the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) through a large-scale cluster-randomised controlled trial. Researchers will analyse whether anticipatory cash assistance delivered before floods can generate better social and economic outcomes than traditional post-disaster responses. Fellow Will Analyse Large-Scale Survey, Administrative and Satellite Data By the time the selected fellow joins the project, most of the field implementation—including sampling, randomisation, intervention design, and payment delivery—will already have been completed. The role will therefore focus heavily on analysing an extensive collection of research data, including: Household survey datasets. Administrative records. Satellite imagery and geospatial data. Programme monitoring information. The successful candidate will help transform these findings into: Academic journal papers. Policy briefs. Donor reports. Research publications. The fellowship offers significant exposure to rigorous quantitative research methods used in leading international development studies. Opportunity Includes Field Research Management Experience Although the majority of field activities will already be complete, the fellow will continue supporting project implementation by overseeing any remaining survey operations. Responsibilities may include: Refining survey instruments. Coordinating with contracted survey firms. Supervising ongoing data collection. Conducting quality assurance and data validation. Managing day-to-day project research activities. This combination of advanced data analysis and practical field management provides valuable experience for candidates preparing for doctoral research or careers in development economics. Ideal Opportunity for Future PhD Students The fellowship is particularly suited to graduates intending to pursue a PhD in economics, development studies, public policy, or related disciplines. Working directly with internationally respected scholars provides an opportunity to gain mentorship, strengthen research skills, and contribute to evidence that could shape humanitarian policy and climate resilience programmes globally. The Centre for the Study of African Economies is widely recognised for producing influential research that informs governments, international organisations, and development partners around the world. For many early-career researchers, positions of this nature provide a strong foundation for admission into competitive doctoral programmes and future academic careers. Salary, Duration and Recruitment Timeline The University of Oxford is offering a competitive salary under Researcher Grade 6, ranging from: £35,681 to £41,636 per year A discretionary extension up to £46,476 per year may apply. Key recruitment dates include: Start Date: September 1, 2026 (flexible) Contract Length: 12 months, with potential extension for an additional 12 months Application Deadline: Midnight UTC, July 19, 2026 Online Interviews: Week commencing July 27, 2026 University of Oxford Encourages Diverse Applications The University of Oxford says it welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and remains committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout its recruitment process. The institution emphasises that all employment decisions are based on individual merit and the ability to perform the responsibilities of the role. Applications are encouraged from individuals who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education. How to Apply Applications for the CSAE Predoctoral Research Fellow position must be submitted online through the EconJobMarket (EJM) recruitment platform. Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their application materials and submit them before the closing deadline of July 19, 2026. With the opportunity to work alongside leading development economists on cutting-edge research addressing climate resilience and poverty reduction, the fellowship offers an exceptional pathway for aspiring researchers seeking world-class experience before embarking on doctoral studies. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW See This Channel For Daily Jobs in South Africa